Moritz to leave Schalke for Mainz

Schalke have confirmed holding midfielder Christoph Moritz will leave the club for Mainz at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old had an expiring contract with Schalke, and has now opted for a move elsewhere rather than ink a new deal.

Moritz, who has been capped by Germany at Under-21 level, has signed a contract until the end of the 2016/17 season with his new club.

The midfielder came through the ranks of the Alemannia Aachen youth academy, and joined Schalke in 2009.

He has since made 52 Bundesliga appearances for the Champions League hopefuls, but has failed to become a first team regular.

Moritz is currently recovering from torn knee ligaments.