Howedes signs new Schalke deal

Schalke have announced on their official website that star defender Benedikt Howedes has extended his contract with the club.

The 25-year-old has committed his long-term future to the Miners and signed a deal until June 2017.

His previous contract was due to expire in June 2014, but after long negotiations, the talented defender has put pen to paper to a new agreement.

“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,” the Germany international said to club’s official website.

Benedikt Howedes came through the youth ranks at Schalke and was handed a debut during the 2007/2008 season.

He needed less than a full season to establish himself as a first team regular and has made a total of 138 Bundesliga appearances for the Miners, scoring 7 goals in the process.

Meanwhile, Howedes has broken into the national team of Germany, and was part of the squad that represented the country at the Euro 2012, albeit not making a single appearance at the tournament finals.