Asamoah stands by Schalke
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Article summary
German international striker Gerald Asamoah has shown his commitment to FC Schalke 04 by signing a new two-year contract with the UEFA Cup contenders.
Article body
Symbolic figure
The club's sporting director Andreas Müller was delighted to have sealed the deal with the 27-year-old. "I am convinced he will have a great second half of the season for us," Müller said. "Whether we wanted him to stay or not was never in question. His positive attitude is a real hallmark of our club."
Knee injury
A knee injury sidelined Asamoah for two months in the autumn, and he has managed only nine Bundesliga appearances this term - none lasting 90 minutes. Nonetheless, it has not dampened Asamoah's ardour for the team. "I have always felt very comfortable in Gelsenkirchen and I still want to achieve big things here," he said.
Promising players
Schalke have also extended the contracts of 24-year-old reserve goalkeeper Christofer Heimeroth and 20-year-old defender Tim Hoogland for two more seasons until summer 2008. Both have yet to become established in new coach Mirko Slomka's squad but are expected to break through shortly.
