Kramaric extends Hoffenheim contract

News of Kramaric's new deal broke ahead of Hoffenheim's 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich, a result which keeps the Sinsheimers on course for European football next season, and their 30-year-old talisman will be there to spearhead their challenge.

"It means everything," Kramaric told bundesliga.com. "It feels like home here."

Watch: Kramaric on his "second home" at Hoffenheim

Kramaric, who joined the Sinsheimers in 2016, would have been out of contract in the summer, but there was never any consideration not to offer a new deal to a "Hoffenheim living legend," in the words of the club's sporting director Alexander Rosen.

"For such an extraordinary, ambitious player like Andrej to extend his contract with us and thus enter into his eighth season for Hoffenheim from the summer shows on the one hand how strong a reputation we have developed and, on the other hand, how strongly Andrej identifies with TSG," Rosen said.

"Andrej's been one of the most consistent goalscorers in the Bundesliga over many years and he's a player who can really make the difference. He's a textbook model professional and is already a Hoffenheim living legend.

"His experience, his ability and his outstanding character strengthen the whole team."

The Croatian forward initially joined Hoffenheim on loan from Leicester City in the second half of the 2015/16 season, helping them avoid relegation against all odds under Julian Nagelsmann. The Sinsheimers then qualified for Europe in three of the next four campaigns, with Kramaric scoring 15, 13, 17, 12 and 20 goals in his first five full seasons with the club.

"I've enjoyed every minute here so far and I'm looking forward to an exciting future," Kramaric said. "I would never have imagined one day being considered among the best forwards in Germany, but that's only been possible because of how much at home I feel here."

Kramaric has scored 101 goals for Hoffenheim - 86 in the Bundesliga - in just over 200 appearances.