LEVAERKUZEN(1)

Skibbe: Barbarez Must Stay At Leverkusen Bayer Leverkusen boss Michael Skibbe has stressed the importance of veteran Sergej Barbarez to the side.

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He may be 36 years old, but German club Bayer Leverkusen value striker Sergej Barbarez more highly than ever.

The Bosnian has been instrumental this season as Bayer 04 seek to progress up the Bundesliga table and bag themselves a Champions League spot.

In a team of so many youngsters, Barbarez has become an experienced leader that future stars like Stefan Kiessling or Tranquillo Barnetta can turn to for advice - but he's more than capable of turning in impressive displays himself, too.

It's been a topsy-turvy career for the former Hamburg man, and at once point it even seemed as though Barbarez would not receive a new deal when his current contract with Leverkusen expired at the end of the season.

But this season's efforts have convinced the club's management to change their minds. "Of course I want Sergej to stay on for another year," said boss Michael Skibbe from the side's winter training camp.

"He is incredibly important for our young team, both on and off the pitch, and he's in great condition."

The player himself is also keen to put pen to paper, even though it means continuing to live away from his family in Hamburg and take a pay-cut of around €1m.

"My body is ready to keep on going," the Bosnian told Bild. "I think the club and I will soon sit down and reach a decision."