Draxler commits to Schalke
Gelsenkirchen - FC Schalke 04 have been boosted by the news that Germany international winger Julian Draxler has signed a new contract at the club.
'Piece of my heart'
The 19-year-old will now stay at the Veltins Arena until 2018 and will wear the No10 shirt, rather than his current No31, in the new season.
Draxler, born and bred in Gelsenkirchen, was delighted to have committed himself to the club for a further two years. "Schalke is in my heart. I grew up here, played in the youth teams and then turned professional here. It's a dream come true for me to be here," he said. "I'm proud that the club have shown such faith in me and I want to repay that with good performances on the pitch."
The attacker continued, "I want to help shape the future of this club. Schalke is on the right path, and it's one I want to tread as well." Sporting director Horst Held was equally pleased at having persuaded one of the club’s best players to extend. “Personnel is very important to the club and Julian is an outstanding player. It’s great news for us that he has signed.”
Prized asset
Draxler, a four-time Germany international, is widely regarded as one of the most promising players in Europe. He made his German top-flight debut in January 2011 at the age of just 17, and in September 2012 and became the youngest player to reach 50 appearances in the Bundesliga.
This season, he has been one of the Royal Blues' most impressive and consistent performers, providing three assists and scoring nine goals, most recently in Matchday 32's 1-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach that helped put Schalke in pole position for UEFA Champions League qualification.
