Grafite extends contract with Wolfsburg until 2012
By DPA, IANSTuesday, June 30, 2009
WOLFSBURG - Brazilian striker Grafite has extended his contract with German champions VfL Wolfsburg by one year until the end of the 2012 season, the Bundesliga club confirmed Tuesday.
“Grafite is a class striker and is enormously important for the team,” said coach Armin Veh.
Grafite was the Bundesliga’s top scorer last season with 28 goals as Wolfsburg raced to a surprise first league title under coach Felix Magath, who has since moved on to Schalke 04.
“I am happy about my contract extension and am looking forward to the upcoming season and the Champions League,” said the 30-year-old striker.
“The team has high hopes and I want to play my part in ensuring further success.”
Grafite is expected to earn in the region of 2.5 million euros (3.5 million dollars) a year under the new deal.
It remains unclear whether Grafite’s striking partner Edin Dzeko, who netted 26 goals last term and was a reputed target of AC Milan, will also be offered an improved deal before the Bundesliga resumes Aug 7.
The 23-year-old Bosnian’s current contract with Wolfsburg runs out at the end of 2011.
