Eintracht Frankfurt’s 39-year-old Japanese defender Makoto Hasebe has signed a contract extension that will extend his stay at the Deutsche Bank Park by another year.
The veteran put pen to paper on a new deal on Tuesday. “I’m very happy to be able to play football at the highest level at Eintracht for another year,” Hasebe said. “It’s special to be part of the team at such a big, successful club when I turn 40.
“I’ll continue to take on responsibility, I want to be a role model for our young players, and I want to lead by example. Frankfurt has become my home and Eintracht is my club. That’s why I’m already looking forward to being part of this club after my playing career,” he said.
The Japanese was a Bundesliga champions with VfL Wolfsburg way back in 2009 and has now been with the Adler for nine seasons. He was part of the successful squad that won the Europa League last season and despite his age remains a key figure having made 16 appearances across all competitions this season adding to a total of 279 matches for Eintracht.
His new playing contract now runs to 2024, but there is a separate contract running to 2027 under which he will take on a coaching role at the club once he finally hangs up his boots. Hasebe will be 40 by the time his playing deal expires and could replace Rudi Bommer and Uli Stein as Eintracht’s oldest ever Bundesliga player next season.
“Makoto is the only professional player who can decide for himself whether to extend his contract. We’re glad he has made this decision and will remain a player with us for another year” member for sport Markus Krösche said.
“With his attitude, discipline and football ability, he is not only a complete role model in our team but remains an asset to our game. At nearly 40 years old, he is a Bundesliga great and an ambassador for Eintracht Frankfurt and German football beyond this country’s borders.”
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