The Germany striker has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer after being spotted meeting with officials from the Bavarian club at Hannover airport last week - a get-together which has prompted the German Football League to open an investigation.

But the 28-year-old has now opted to remain at the northern club until his contract expires in June 2008.

The news is a boost to Bremen, who are still in contention to win the Bundesliga while they also hope to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit against Espanyol in the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup on Thursday night.

Bremen sporting director Klaus Allofs told the club's official website, www.werder-online.de: "We would have liked him to have come to this decision earlier but we now have the necessary clarity to approach the final challenges of the season with all our energy.

"Because of the turmoil of recent days it's now important that the club, the team and the fans join forces so that we can go into the semi-final, second-leg against Espanyol with the full backing of our supporters."

Bremen are currently third in the Bundesliga, one point behind Stuttgart and two adrift of leaders Schalke with three games to play.