Bayern Munich have rewarded Owen Hargreaves with a new improved three-year contract after his starring role in their Champions League success. The 20-year-old English midfielder played the full 120 minutes in Wednesday night's final against Valencia, which Bayern won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
He has featured in 14 Bundesliga games this season, but came to real prominence in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid when his performance earned European-wide plaudits. His current deal was due to expire next summer, but Bayern were keen to tie him onto a longer deal and started negotiations after the Real match.
General manager Uli Hoeness confirmed: "We are getting a lot of pleasure from Hargreaves." Hargreaves has chosen to play for England ahead of Canada and Wales who both wanted him, and was likened to Lazio's Argentinian midfield talisman Juan Sebastien Veron by Bayern team-mate Samuel Kuffour after last night's final. He admitted: "Let me be honest with you, he is coming up like a Veron. Yes, he's that good." (PA)
Filed by Shane Murray
