Union skipper Trimmel signs on for another year

Relegation-threatened 1. FC Union Berlin have opted to extend the expiring contract of 37-year-old squad captain Christopher Trimmel. The Austrian veteran will enter his ninth season with the capital city's Köpenick quarter side. Trimmel has not played for another German football club since joining Union from Rapid Vienna a decade ago. Trimmel played five seasons with Union in the 2. Bundesliga prior to their 2019/20 promotion. 

"Union fans, the story is not over yet," Trimmel noted in a video published on social media platform X, "I've been part of the Union family for a decade now and together we've achieved more than I could have ever dreamed of."  

"I was firmly convinced that I would experience significant moments with Union," Trimmel continued in a club-released statement, "My time here was and is incredibly emotional and formative, both for the club and for me personally. I'm really looking forward to continuing to be here."

"Christopher has been an integral part of this club for many years and a figure of identification for players and fans alike," FCU managing director Oliver Ruhnert noted in his own statement, "His sporting achievements and his personality speak for themselves."