Mana Iwabuchi signs Bayern Munich contract extension

Bayern Munich can breathe a sigh of relief now that Mana Iwabuchi has agreed to a contract extension to remain in Munich. The Japanese international's contract was set to expire this summer, but she will remain in Munich through June 2018.

"I'm really looking forward to being able to continue working with my favorite team. I can continue to develop professionally here and learn a lot," Iwabuchi said. "I've got a lot of dreams, like Bundesliga, Pokal, and Champions League! I'm ready to work hard on myself to win titles with FC Bayern Munich."

Iwabuchi joined FCB in the summer of 2014 and was a big part of the club's march to the Bundesliga championship last season. She's been out all of this season after suffering an injury, but she's set to return for the second half of the campaign.

"I'm very happy that Mana wants to play at FC Bayern Munich in the coming years. Because of her injury she was only able to help out our team in the first half of last season. Mana is an exceptionally talented player who knows how to use her playmates with creativity and playfulness," FCB coach Thomas Wörle said. "I'm very much looking forward to the continued collaboration."

Iwabuchi earned a silver medal at last summer's FIFA Women's World Cup. Japan made it to the Final before falling to the United States.