The midfielder joined the Freiburg academy as a 15-year-old from SC Pfullendorf, becoming both German league champion and DFB-Pokal winner at U19 level. In the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons, he gained second-division experience on loan at FC Erzgebirge Aue. Since his return in the summer of 2013, the 34-year-old has been a stalwart of the Freiburg midfield. With 351 professional appearances under his belt, Höfler ranks third in the SC Freiburg all-time standings and second for Bundesliga matches with 267 games in the German top-flight.

“The relationship between Chicco and SC is an exceptional one in many regards. The experience he offers, as well as the way he simply goes about things, makes him a stalwart of our team. Off the pitch, Chicco takes responsibility for being one of the leaders in the squad,” said board member Jochen Saier. “We are over the moon to be continuing this relationship going forward.”

“SC has been more than just my sporting home for nearly 20 years. Nevertheless, I’m looking ahead at what’s to come rather than simply reflecting on the past. I still really want to achieve things with these boys, and accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. I am really pleased to have extended my contract and will keep giving it my all,” told Nicolas Höfler.

Details of the contract will remain undisclosed, as is custom.