Pogatetz commits to Hannover

Emanuel Pogatetz has signed a new three-year contract with Bundesliga club Hannover. The Austria international's contract was due to expire in the summer, but he said it was an easy decision putting pen to paper on a new deal today. "I love playing in this team," he said. "I am delighted to be part of the team and I would like to play my part in us continuing to play successful football. Since everything is right both privately and with my work, and we are happy in Hannover, there is no reason for anything to change." Pogatetz arrived at Hannover from Middlesbrough in 2010. He has made a total of 47 appearances so far and has been involved from start to finish in all nine of the club's UEFA Europa League ties this term. He follows the example of Christian Pander, Jan Schlaudraff and Manuel Schmiedebach by committing his future to the club. "Emanuel Pogatetz fits in perfectly with us thanks to his qualities," said Hannover's director of sport Jorg Schmadtke on his club's website. "He is an important cornerstone of our team."