Heiko Westermann extends Schalke contract

The Koenigsblauen may be in a mini-crisis at the moment, but there has been a positive development for them as Heiko Westermann has signed Schalke have lost their manager, are in a lowly league position, their captain has given up the armband and they have been dumped out of both the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Cup. Things are looking bleak at the Veltins Arena at the moment. However, the news that versatile German international Heiko Westermann has signed a new contract at the club will at least bring a smile to the supporters’ faces. The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal, which will keep him at the Ruhr club until July 30, 2014. 'It wasn’t a difficult decision for me,' Heiko Westermann told the club website. 'Schalke have become close to my heart and I am very proud to wear the shirt. At the moment we are not in the ideal situation but when you look at the stadium and the fans, it was easy to sign this contract.' Westermann has been a key player for Schalke this season. His versatility has been key as he has played at centre-back, full-back and in midfield. He has scored six times this season in 23 matches. 'I am delighted that we have been able to secure a player of such ability and character,' explained club president Josef Schnusenberg. Westermann’s previous contract was due to expire in 2011. He joined the club in 2007 from Arminia Bielefeld for €2.3 million.