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Höwedes extends Schalke commitment

"Schalke is a crazy club in a positive kind of way," said captain Benedikt Höwedes as he confirmed that he had agreed a new deal, binding him to FC Schalke 04 until June 2017.

Benedikt Höwedes is in for the long haul at Schalke
Benedikt Höwedes is in for the long haul at Schalke ©Getty Images

Captain Benedikt Höwedes has extended his contract with FC Schalke 04 by three years until June 2017, celebrating his new deal by leading the Royal Blues to a 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund in the 142nd Ruhr derby.

Sporting director Horst Heldt said: "Benedikt has been with this club since he was a youngster and he is an absolute key performer." The 25-year-old defender added: "Schalke is a crazy club in a positive kind of way and I feel very, very comfortable here. I know everyone here and I really appreciate my interactions with our fans."

Having made his way through the club's youth ranks, Höwedes made his first-team breakthrough on 3 October 2007, making his professional debut in a UEFA Champions League match against Rosenborg BK three days before his first Bundesliga appearance against Karlsruher SC. A member of the triumphant Germany side at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, he won the 2010/11 German Cup with Schalke.

Schalke will look to book a place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals when they play host to Galatasaray AŞ on Tuesday.

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