Christopher Nkunku underlines commitment to RB Leipzig
Christopher Nkunku says he has unfinished business at RB Leipzig, after recently signing a new deal with the club.
Nkunku caught the eye with 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 appearances for Leipzig in 2021/22, earning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award and his first senior France caps for his efforts.
The 24-year-old attacker's performances inevitably attracted interest from elsewhere, before he ended speculation by putting pen to paper on a contract extension through to 30 June 2026.
"For me, it was a given to extend my contract," Nkunku told media from Leipzig's pre-season training camp in Ennstal, Austria.
"It's what I planned to do, and I didn't just sign to then leave next summer, either. I feel right at home in this city and at this club. I've got unfinished business here."
Nkunku was the standout performer in 2021/22 as Leipzig recovered from their worst ever start to a Bundesliga season to finish fourth and secure UEFA Champions League football for another year. They also reached the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, and won their first piece of major silverware in the DFB Cup.
Without Nkunku's input, Leipzig's season may well have panned out very differently, but the Frenchman insists he was only able to reach career-best heights because of his teammates.
"I couldn't have played so well without my team. The lads really helped me," he said.
"I'm delighted to have won the cup, but it's something we share as a team. Now we want the success to continue."
Watch: A Christopher Nkunku highlight reel
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Nkunku - a league and cup runner-up with Leipzig in 2020/21 - will have the chance to add another winner's medal to his collection as soon as 30 August, when the DFB Cup holders take on defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the Supercup.
Many expect Leipzig to mount a serious challenge to Bayern in the Bundesliga in the season ahead, while reigning champions France are among the favourites for this winter's FIFA World Cup.
"I'll have to keep working hard to retain my place in the team," warned six-time international Nkunku of his Qatar 2022 prospects, having only made his France debut during the Match international break.
The 2022/23 campaign marks Nkunku's fourth as a Leipzig player, meanwhile, following a formative stint with boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain. He has 44 goals and 47 assists to show for his first 134 appearances in all competitions for Die Roten Bullen.
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