Bayer Leverkusen were always confident Xabi Alonso would resist the overtures of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to continue his fairytale with them.
Alonso, 42, is the hottest property in coaching after guiding Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title triumph - and they could yet scoop two more trophies while remaining unbeaten.
Amid intense speculation he would be Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool, or replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern, Alonso reaffirmed his commitment to Leverkusen last month.
The club's managing director of sport Simon Rolfes said there was never any doubt Alonso would stay a little longer.