Joshua Kimmich extends stay at Bayern Munich to 2025

 FRANKFURT  - German international Joshua Kimmich
has signed an extension to stay at Bayern Munich until 2025, the club
announced on Monday.

  Kimmich, a versatile player, at ease in both defence and midfield, was
under contract with the German champions until 2023.

  "We are delighted that Joshua Kimmich is staying in Munich! Joshua
identifies totally with FC Bayern," the club's sporting director Oliver Kahn
wrote on Twitter.

  The Bavarian giants were intent on keeping Kimmich, who has become one of
Europe's best midfielders since he signed from Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig
in 2015.

  In all, Kimmich has racked up 264 appearances with Bayern, 30 goals, and
won six German titles, three German cups and the Champions League with the
club.

  "The most important reason for my contract extension is that every day at
FC Bayern I can pursue my passion with joy," Kimmich said in a club
statement.

  In the summer, Bayern lost Austrian defender David Alaba on a free transfer
to Real Madrid after his contract ended. The club were keen to avoid a
similar situation developing with Kimmich.

  Kimmich played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as Bayern Munich battled their
way to a 3-2 win against FC Cologne, their first home win of the new
Bundesliga campaign.BSS/AFP