Manuel Gulde signs two-year extension

The 20-year old defender has been part of the 1899 Hoffenheim set up since July 2007 and has won the German Youth Championships, as well as the DFB Youth Cup in 2010 with the U-19's. "We're happy that we could secure the services of a local talent for the future. We hope that Manuel, following all his set-backs, can stay injury free so that we can look forward to having his talents back on the pitch where they belong", explained manager Ernst Tanner. The youngster who was born in Mannheim and in 2008 also collected the prestigious golden Fritz-Walter medal, which is presented to recognise a burgeoning young talent. "The contract extension is a huge vote of confidence after what has been a difficult time during all my injury problems and I have to thank the club for sticking by me through it all. For me Hoffenheim is a labour of love and the ideal club for me to continue developing with", stated the visibly excited Gulde.