Schalke signs Japan defender Uchida to new deal

Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Schalke signed Japanese defender Atsuto Uchida to a new contract through the 2014-15 season Thursday.

Uchida, 24, was signed through the upcoming season, but the new contract added two years to his previous deal.

"We are very pleased with the extension. He is an extremely reliable player and has become synonymous with the club," Schalke director of sport Horst Held said.

Uchida joined Schalke in 2010 and has made 69 appearances for the club. He has played 50 times for Japan.