Jackson Irvine is the second Subway Socceroo at FC St. Pauli to agree to a new contract extension with the club before their Bundesliga campaign gets underway.
The St. Pauli captain's existing deal was due to end at the conclusion of the upcoming 2024/25 season, but the Hamburg-based outfit was determined to secure his services for the distant future.
Irvine joined Die Kiezkicker in July 2021 and quickly became a pillar and fan favourite of the team. He has since amassed 97 competitive appearances, while scoring 15 goals and providing the same number of assists in that time.
The 31-year-old had previously extended his contract in October 2022, the same season he served as co-captain before assuming the role outright for the 2023/24 season and leading his team to automatic promotion after winning the 2. Bundesliga title.
Irvine revealed he had no hesitation about signing a new deal, declaring he has more to achieve at the Millerntor-Stadion.
"When I extended my contract for the first time two years ago, I said that I felt incredibly comfortable in Hamburg and at FC St. Pauli," Irvine, who has 70 caps and 11 goals for Australia, said in an official statement.
"Nothing has changed and that's why I see my future here. I would like to thank everyone who supported the team and me during this time. We have already achieved a lot together, but in this new and exciting phase of this journey, I am ready to give even more.”
St. Pauli Sporting Director Andreas Bornemann lauded Irvine's impact at the club and was thrilled to see the relationship continue for a couple more years.
"I am very pleased that we were able to agree on further collaboration with Jackson at an early stage," he added.
"It is a central part of the axis around which the team is built; continuity in these key positions is of great importance to us.
"Jackson's qualities as a leader and top performer should be well known by now anyway. In addition, he identifies incredibly with the club and embodies its values in a unique way.”
Head Coach Alexander Blessin highlighted Irvine's leadership qualities and ability to inspire his teammates.
The box-to-box midfielder possesses plenty of experience not only at club level but also on the international stage - featuring at two FIFA World Cups™ in 2018 and 2022 as well as two AFC Asian Cups.
“Jackson is an immensely important player for us in various areas. He leads the way on the pitch both with performance and verbally and, as captain, he is the first point of contact for me in the team," he stated.
"With his presence both on the ground and in the air, he is an important factor in our game at both ends of the pitch. His great experience will certainly benefit us and his teammates in what is, for most people, a new league.”
The midfielder is expected to make his debut in the German top flight when St. Pauli host 1. FC Heidenheim on Monday at 1:30am AEST.