Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender has agreed terms on a two-year contract extension that will now keep him at the club until the summer of 2019.

The player said that he is delighted with the progress the club has been making and wants to be part of its future.

"Something very special has evolved here at Leverkusen in recent years," Bundesliga.com quotes Bender as saying. "Our team is strong and has the potential to become even better.

"I want to be part of the team's history and play my part in establishing the club as one of the best in the Bundesliga. I'm very happy at the club and I'm delighted to be playing here."

Bender has made 115 appearances in the Bundesliga to date.