Bell extends stay at Mainz 05

The 34-year-old veteran centre-half will be pulling on the Mainz 05 jersey for another season. Stefan Bell, who joined the club’s academy back in 2007 as a 15-year-old, recently made his 300th Bundesliga appearance for the 05ers and will remain part of the first-team squad for the coming campaign. So far this season, Bell has featured in 23 competitive matches, racking up five goal contributions in that time.

Mainz 05 sporting director Niko Bungert said: “Bello is an institution at Mainz 05 and, year after year, continues to demonstrate just how important he is both on and off the pitch. Very few people understand this club and everything it stands for the way he does, so we’re absolutely delighted that he and his experience will remain part of our team moving forward.”

Stefan Bell said: “I feel good and I’m sure I can still help the team in one way or another. That’s why it was clear to me that I wanted to carry on, provided it suited everyone involved. I’m looking forward to the new season and to giving absolutely everything once again.”