Schalke signs midfielder Hans Sarpei

Ghanaian midfielder Hans Sarpei signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga runner-up Schalke, the club confirmed Thursday.

Sarpei, 34, is the ninth new arrival at Schalke. "I'm happy that head coach Felix Magath gave me the opportunity to play for such a well-known club. I'm proud to be part of this traditional club," he said after the signing.

Sarpei played 34 official matches with Ghana and 45 for his former club Bayer Leverkusen.

"Ghana was not only the most successful African team at the World Cup but also made Germany struggle thanks to great performance by Hans Sarpei," Magath said.

Sarpei has played 181 Bundesliga matches.