Bochum extend captain Losilla's contract beyond the season
Promoted side VfL Bochum confirmed two transactions on Monday involving a pair of their expiring contracts.
In addition to the sale of Soma Novothny, the 1848ers extended the deal of 35-year-old club captain and "total VfLer" Anthony Losilla.
VfL Bochum sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz took care of two of his seven expiring contracts on the first business day of the January transfer window. Journeyman Soma Novothny was shipped out to Cypriot side Αnorthosis Famagusta for an undisclosed fee. Presumably the VfL got some money for the 27-year-old, who did score a crucial goal in the top flight this season.
In addition to the sale of Soma Novothny, the 1848ers extended the deal of 35-year-old club captain and "total VfLer" Anthony Losilla.
Soma #Novothny wechselt mit sofortiger Wirkung nach Zypern zu Anorthosis Famagusta. Wir wünschen nur das Beste für die neue Herausforderung, Soma!💪 https://t.co/oY1PvbKuJC
— VfL Bochum 1848 (@VfLBochum1848eV) January 3, 2022
In a much more significant move, Schindzielorz inked his captain Anthony Losilla to a contract extension. The 35-year-old will continue to play for his side since 2014 for at least another season following this one. The Frenchman has made a total of 223 appearances for the Revierverein in his eight season with the VfL.
"The VfL is my club," Losilla said in a statement on the club's website, "And I state that unreservedly. The city of Bochum has captured my heart and it's been my pleasure to give something back to the people here through our promotion and Bundesliga matches."
Toto + #meinVfL = 💙#Toto2023 #Losilla pic.twitter.com/dm0xz0Vw4F
— VfL Bochum 1848 (@VfLBochum1848eV) January 3, 2022
"He always leads the way, whether in training, on the pitch, or off it," Schindzielorz said in his own statement, "Even at the ripe old age of 35, he's managed to get a foothold in the turbo business known as the Bundesliga."
"Antony Losilla is a fixture within this team and a source of identity for our fans," Schindzielorz continued, "he's a total VfLer; a 'Bochum boy' irrespective of his [French heritage]."
🗣️ Genau so sieht das aus, Chef!🙏 #Toto2023 pic.twitter.com/EwKLx1Ygxr
— VfL Bochum 1848 (@VfLBochum1848eV) January 3, 2022
The captain of the side since 2019/20 called last season's promotion "the most outstanding moment of my career" and promised the fans that he would give everything to ensure Bundesliga football would remain in Bochum next season.
The Frenchman's new contract runs through the end of the 2022/23 season.