Germany's Hoewedes extends Schalke deal until 2020

The 27-year-old, who along with Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm was one of only three Germany players involved in each minute of the seven games in winning the 2014 World Cup, has played for Schalke since 2001.

Interestingly, there is no early-release clause in his new contract should Hoewedes be lured away from Gelsenkirchen by one of Europe's top clubs in the future.

"I signed the contract with a thumping heart," beamed Hoewedes in extending his stay  with fourth-placed Schalke, who are nicknamed 'the miners' due to the Ruhr valley's industrial history.

"Schalke is a great club with awesome fans and I am very grateful to them that they trained me up in the 'miners' forge' and made it possible for me to make the break through in the Bundesliga.

"They also showed some trust by making me captain at such a young age."

Hoewedes says the young Schalke team has plenty of potential and is very ambitious," I want to continue playing an active role in their future".

The Royal Blues' director of sport Horst Heldt said he is delighted that Hoewedes had shown the club some faith.

"We are very pleased that Benedikt has decided to take this step, because there is a clear commitment by one of the club's leading players."