Huge coup for Borussia Dortmund as Marco Reus signs new contract until 2019

"I am very happy with my decision. Dortmund is my home city and Borussia is simply my club," said Reus.

"I am looking forward to a successful future with our team and our fantastic fans behind us. We have a lot to do," he added.

His current deal expired in the summer of 2017 but crucially had a release clause set at 25 million euros - which has now been removed entirely.

Reus has been linked with moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, after becoming one of Europe's most desired forwards at Dortmund.

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc spoke of his delight at the news.

"He has shown that his heart beats for his hometown and for his hometown club with this decision,” said Zorc.

"He is a very important part of Borussia Dortmund’s future.”

What a coup. Dortmund have had an awful season, struggling against relegation against all expectation, but news of Reus committing his future to the club is just the boost they need. With no Champions League football next season, unless a miracle happens, Reus' future is still likely to be up for debate though.

Could Dortmund resist a huge bid in the summer? That remains to be seen, but for now we should applaud the sight of a genuine European star sticking with his team when times get rough, rather than cutting his losses and running at the first sign of trouble.

Sven Busch, Eurosport Germany: "The turnaround is a major surprise. Why did he change his mind? The key is that he is from Dortmund. His family live there and the club stood by him when it was revealed that he had been driving without a licence for years. And, of course, he will get a nice pay rise. According to our information he will get €10m a season now.

"He will be paying for Dortmund next season, for sure, and him staying could have a major impact on the decision of German international Mats Hummels, who is under contract until 2017, Ilkay Gundogan, 2016, and Sven Bender, 2017, whose contracts are also up in the next two years."