Kehl extends Dortmund stay

The 32-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in the northern summer, but he will now be staying with the club until at least 2013.

Kehl's new contract includes an option for a further year based on appearances.

"I am very happy that we can continue planning with our captain and an important member of our squad," Dortmund's director of sport Michael Zorc told the Westphalian club's website.

Kehl joined the club in 2002 from Freiburg, upsetting Bayern Munich which claimed it had reached a verbal agreement with the former Germany international.

Injuries have prevented the combative midfielder from making more than 203 league appearances over the last 10 years, but he can look forward to making many more after regaining his form recently.

"I am delighted that the club and Sebastian have reached an agreement," said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

"We are currently seeing the best Sebastian Kehl that I have ever witnessed at Dortmund."

Kehl is also delighted to extend his career in Westphalia.

"Borussia Dortmund is a special club for me and my family," he said. "As the longest-serving player, I am really enjoying playing my part in pushing forwards the positive development of Dortmund."