Joel Matip signs contract extension to 2016
05.01.2012
Less than 24 hours after arriving in Qatar, Horst Heldt had some good news to announce. Defender Joel Matip has signed a contract extension with the Royal Blues until 30 June 2016. The Cameroon international's current deal was due to expire next year.
"We're absolutely delighted. Despite still being young Joel is a player with a long Schalke history," said Heldt about Matip, 20, who has been with club since 2001. "He's a very, very valuable player for us. I'm delighted that the talks were completed so quickly and that Joel has extended his contract early with total conviction."
Matip has the ideal make-up for a footballer, Heldt maintained. "His biggest weapons are his height and pace. He constantly impresses with both – in defence and attack. Joel is also a model professional who is committed to the club."
