Wellington Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund has extended his contract with the Hyundai A-League club until the end of 2015.
Wellington Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund has extended his contract with the Hyundai A-League club until the end of 2015.
The 31-year-old centre-back had a year remaining with the club, but has agreed to a two-year extension.
“I could have looked at other options, but honestly there is nowhere else I wanted to be,” said Sigmund, who joined the Phoenix in 2008.
“My family is here and I love this club, so why move if they want me to stay?
“They have looked after me with an improved contract and it being for three years gives me security for the family.”
Sigmund, who has won the Phoenix player of the year award for the past two seasons, has become a mainstay of their defence alongside captain Andrew Durante, notching 91 appearances for the club.
“(Phoenix coach) Ricki (Herbert) recognised my potential and gave me the opportunity to play in the A-League for which I was grateful,” the New Zealand All Whites defender said.
“Six years on I am still enjoying playing for Ricki and I am proud to say that I’ve made a career out of football in New Zealand.
“Hopefully New Zealand kids can look at that and realise there is an opportunity for them to do the same.”
Herbert said he was delighted Sigmund had committed himself to the club.
“Ben has had a couple of excellent seasons and played a leading role in us reaching the playoffs in the last three years,” he said.
“It is also testament to the culture at the club that he wants to continue playing for it.”
