Bernd Leno stays with Leverkusen until 2018

Bayer Leverkusen's keeper Bernd Leno extended his contract to remain with the "Werkself" until 2018, the German Bundesliga side announced Friday.

Leno assured Leverkusen his services for another four seasons. The 21-year-old goalie called attention in recent days as he staged faultless performances in the Champions League and Bundesliga. Thus, Leno expressed his long-term commitment, along with defender Lars Bender, who also extended his contract weeks ago, reported Xinhua.

"Leverkusen took me on as a 19-year-old third division keeper and turned me into the number one at a club in the Champions League. I was really impressed with the massive vote of confidence back then and I'm incredibly grateful to the club for that," Leno told the clubs official homepage.

The "Werkself" sit on third position in the Bundesliga standings with a four-point gap to leaders Bayern Munich. In addition they occupy second place in group A of the UEFA Champions League.

"We have been working hard on Bernd's contract extension for a long time. The lad is one of the best keepers in Germany as he proves week after week," Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voeller said.

Leverkusen host 14th placed Hamburg on home soil at the 12th round on Saturday.