Mainz have extended the contract of 34-year-old vice-captain Stefan Bell, with the new contract expected to run until 2027.

Mainz 05 officially announced on Thursday that they have extended the contract of 34-year-old vice-captain Stefan Berg. Multiple sources have confirmed that the new contract will extend the term from this summer until June 30, 2027.

Bale joined Mainz's youth academy at the age of 15 and was loaned out early in his professional career to 1860 Munich and Eintracht Frankfurt. Since becoming a regular member of the squad in the 2012/13 season, he has made 333 appearances for Mainz as a center-back, contributing 16 goals and 14 assists, and also played for the team in the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League group stage.

After signing his contract extension, Bale will become the longest-serving active player in the Bundesliga next season. Mainz sporting director Nico Bungert said: "Bale is an iconic figure for Mainz 05, proving his importance on and off the pitch year after year. Few people understand this club and everything it represents as well as he does. We are very happy that he has stayed, and his experience will continue to be useful to the team in the future."

Bale himself said: "I feel great and believe I can still help the team in some way. I hope to stay with the team, provided everyone feels it's the right thing to do. I'm looking forward to the new season and ready to give it my all again."

In addition to Bale, another key Mainz defender, Dani da Costa, has also confirmed he will stay with the team. With Mainz securing their place in the league early, his contract, originally set to expire this summer, has been automatically extended for another year.

Mainz captain Silvan Widmer, 33, is also a possibility for a contract extension, as his current contract expires this summer. However, when asked about this, Mainz coach Urs Fischer only responded: "In short, Silvan will continue playing. I can't imagine him considering retirement. Silvan will play for a while longer. As for his future, let's wait and see."

Image source: Internet/Mainz 05 official website