Gomez extends stay with Bayern

Munich, April 4 (IANS) German record champions Bayern Munich announced Wednesday that striker Mario Gomez has signed a new contract with the club.

The 26-year-old is the joint top scorer in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. He joined Bayern in 2009 from Stuttgart for a reported fee of around 30 million pounds and has proved a prolific addition at the Allianz Arena.

The new deal will keep the German international at the Munich club till 2016. Gomez has been a source for many a transfer speculation. His brilliant form has warranted interests from many of the top clubs in Europe.

Gomez has continued his scintillating form from last year when he scored 28 goals. This season in the Bundesliga alone the lanky striker has netted 23 times and looks set to overhaul last year's tally.

"I've always said that Bayern is a great club and that I feel comfortable here.

"I am, therefore, glad this contract extension has now been agreed. I am excited about the future here," the German was quoted as saying by ESPN Soccernet.

Bayern secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals with a convincing 2-0 win over French club Marseille Tuesday. They look set to face Spanish giants Real Madrid in the last four with Madrid leading APOEL Nicosia 3-0 from the first leg.