Zorc, 57, played for Dortmund since 1978 and amassed a club record 557 apparances in all competitions, winning the Bundesliga twice and the Champions Leahgue 1997. He has been sports director since 1998, with two more league and two cup titles each.

“A few weeks ago, I made a personal request to Michael Zorc to stay with us for an extra year. We at BVB are all happy and thankful that he has complied with our request,” Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said.

“Michael is a true Borusse and, as such, he was prepared to continue overseeing sporting matters at a time that is challenging for us all, and during which it is difficult to plan and tough to predict developments. This continuity will do us good.”

Zorc said in reference to the coronavirus crisis: “We’re facing a period that will present significant challenges.

“It goes without saying that, during such a phase, I will stand by my club and make my contribution as we strive to put Borussia Dortmund on the best-possible footing together.”