Christoph Zimmermann's breakthrough season at Carrow Road has earned him a longer term contract, keeping him at Carrow Road until 2021.

City announced the news on Friday morning with the 24-year-old signing a new three-and-half-year deal with an option for a further year.

The towering centre back has made 24 appearances for the club since following head coach Daniel Farke from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

'I'm happy and I'm grateful for this,' he said. 'I've mentioned it before, but in the summer I was just happy to have the chance to come here and play for Norwich City. It's the best thing that could have happened for me.

'I'm looking forward to having some more years here.'

Farke, speaking to the club's official site, hailed Zimmermann's importance within his squad.

'He came in as a young centre-back but has played many minutes. He's been really important and has helped us become a good team defensively,' he said.

'As a player, he gives everything on the pitch and has a great character. He's an intelligent guy and has adapted quickly to Championship football very quickly.'

Zimmermann, speaking to the club's site, admitted he was surprised how quickly he has adapted to English football after initially signing a two year deal on a free transfer.

'I've been here for about half a year now and, from the first day, it's been great,' he said. 'I was thinking I maybe had to prove myself in the first year, to perform at this level. The two-year contract was my chance, first of all, to prove myself.

'To be rewarded with this new contract, I assume I haven't done too badly. I've mentioned it before, but in the summer I was just happy to have the chance to come here and play for Norwich.

'I want to contribute with whatever time I have on the pitch.

'If it's just two minutes, like the last game, I have to win my headers and win my duels. I have to do all I can to help the team.

'It was good to get that winning feeling back and it's something we can build upon. It's important we now have another unbeaten run.'

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