Anderlecht reward Wasilewski for winning battle

Marcin Wasilewski has extended his stay at RSC Anderlecht by two years in a deal that will tie him to the Brussels club until the summer of 2013.

The 30-year-old Polish international joined Anderlecht in January 2007 from KKS Lech Poznań, but suffered a career-threatening double leg fracture against R. Standard de Liège on 30 August 2009. There were doubts at the time as to whether the defender would ever play again, but after six operations, the former WKS Śląsk Wrocław, ZKS Wisła Plock and KS Amica Wronki player has battled his way back into the first team.

"I am very happy with this agreement because I have always been able to count on the club's unconditional support during the difficult moments after my serious injury last season," said Wasilewski. "The support of the whole club meant a lot to me. I also want to thank the fans. Their chants have pushed me on and motivated me to return to this level. They gave me joy and energy during some tough times. It fills me with pride to be able to keep playing for Anderlecht."

General manager Herman Van Holsbeeck added: "The fact that Marcin has committed is of huge value to the club. The contract extension is a symbol of the great humanity that exists in this club and is the result of the almost inhuman battle this player has had to fight. That victory deserves great respect. Marcin Wasilewski has become a monument of RSCA and will be a part of the Purple and Whites family forever."

Anderlecht also announced the departure of two players on transfer deadline day. Jan Polák, the 29-year-old Czech international, has left for VfL Wolfsburg on a deal until summer 2013, while Serbian right-back Nemanja Rnić, 26, has joined KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen for the remainder of this season.

Anderlecht host AFC Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 32 tie on 17 February, with the return scheduled for 24 February.