Thiago extends deal

BERLIN: Midfielder Thiago Alcantara has extended his contract with German champions Bayern Munich by two years to 2019, the club said on Thursday.

The versatile 24-year-old Spain international, who joined from Barcelona in 2013, suffered a severe knee injury that saw him sidelined for much of last season before coming back in April.

Thiago, brought to Bayern by former Barca coach Pep Guardiola, has played 41-match in all matches for Bavarians and took part in both of this season’s Bundesliga games so far as the club chases fourth straight league title.