16.01.2014 15:36 h

Football: Hildebrand to quit Schalke at season end

Chance verpasst
Chance verpasst

Former German international goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand is set to leave Bundesliga club Schalke 04 at the end of the season after losing his place, the club announced on Thursday.

The 34-year-old, who cost his team a crucial goal during a Champions League defeat against Chelsea earlier this season (0-3), has been relegated to the bench in recent weeks by Ralf Fahrmann.

Ironically, it was a serious injury suffered by Fahrmann in October 2011, that prompted Schalke to sign Hildebrand from Sporting Lisbon, when the Portuguese club declined to renew his contract.

Hildebrand was Germany's third choice 'keeper at the 2006 World Cup when Jurgen Klinsmann's side reached the semi-finals and has picked up seven caps, the last of which was in 2007.

According to German press reports, Schalke are planning for the departure by stepping up negotiations to sign Fabian Giefer from second division side Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Hildebrand won the 2007 German title with Stuttgart, the 2008 Copa Del Rey with Valencia and also enjoyed a stint with Hoffenheim between 2008 and 2010.