Berlin, April 23 (IANS): VFL Wolfsburg has extended the expiring contract of defender Christian Traesch until June 2018, the German club has confirmed.

Traesch is the third player, after Ricardo Rodriguez and Vieirinha, who extended his contract with Wolfsburg this year, reports Xinhua.

"We are very fortunate that Christian Traesch remains at Wolfsburg. He is an important part of our team and someone to rely on," Wolfsburg's manager Klaus Allofs said on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder joined Wolfsburg from league rival Stuttgart in July 2011 to make 97 appearances. He scored one goal and provided nine assists since his arrival.

Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking added: "Christian is an important player for us. He is versatile and increases our quality in our defence. I'm looking forward to our further cooperation."

Traesch, who is Wolfsburg's team captain, is also part of the German national football team. He earned his first call up under coach Joachim Loew in 2009. He played overall 10 international caps.

"I'm happy that my contract extension worked out. My family and I feel very comfortable in Wolfsburg. It was my wish to reach an agreement," the German international said.

Runner-up Wolfsburg encounter fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach to close the 30th round of Bundesliga on Sunday.