体坛英语新闻：German side Schalke sign midfielder Barnetta

BERLIN, July 3 (Xinhua) -- German Bundesliga side Schalke secured Swiss international midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta on a free transfer until 2015, the club released on its website on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Swiss transfers from league rivals Bayer Leverkusen to receive jersey No. 27 at Schalke. "We are delighted that Tranquillo had chosen for us. He has enormous qualities and is very versatile which he proved with his performances. Furthermore we had the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer, " Schalke manager Horst Heldt said.

Barnetta played since 2004 for Bayer Leverkusen to score 23 goals in 187 official matches. He is also part of the Swiss national team, the "Nati", since 2004 to make eight goals in 59 international caps.

The royal blues finished the season on third position to participate in UEFA Champions League.

The Bundesliga campaign 2012/2013 will kick off on 25th August.