Rodríguez rolls into Schalke

FC Schalke 04 have signed the Uruguayan international Darío Rodríguez from Club Atlético Peñarol Montevideo.

Well-timed arrival
Schalke have paid a fee of around €4m for the 27-year-old defender who has signed a four-year-contract. His arrival could not have been better timed given the German Cup winners' present injury problems, although he was not registered in time to play in the 1. Bundesliga match against 1. FC Kaiserslautern tomorrow. Instead  Rodriguez, who played for Uruguay at the FIFA World Cup, should make his debut on 25 August against Hertha BSC Berlin.

'Versatile player'
Rudi Assauer, general manager of Schalke, said: "Dario is a fast, versatile player, strong in the air. We've been searching for a footballer like this." Rodriguez himself said: "For my personal development it is very important to move to Europe. I am grateful that Schalke have given me this opportunity."