Hannover 96 manager Dirk Dufner told German site Kicker Online that he plans to finish a contract extension with U.S. International Steve Cherundolo, allowing their captain to possibly finish his career at the very same place it began.
Dufner said he is optimistic about the extension and that it should be finished relatively quickly.
Cherundolo joined Hannover in the 1998-1999 season directly from the University of Portland, helping the club earn promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2001-2002 season. He’s made a club record 298 top-flight league appearances for Hannover, a record he recently tied a week ago against Bayern Munich. He will look to break that record Saturday against Mainz, and recently shared his thoughts on the milestone with the US Soccer official website.
The right-back had the chance to move to England in 2005 when Bolton Wanderers agreed with Hannover on a deal, but he declined a contract and chose to stay in Germany. Five years later in 2010 he was named the club’s captain. The 34-year old has appeared in 18 league matches this season, and has tallied 31 overall appearances this year.
Thanks to his success in the German league, Cherundolo made himself a common listing on the United States teamsheet in the past decade, making his debut in 1999 and tallying 87 appearances for the international team. He last saw the pitch for the United States in a 3-1 victory against Guatemala last October at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City.