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New contract for Varela

Gustavo Varela will stay at FC Schalke 04.

The 30 year old attacking player will extend his expiring contract until 2009.

A lot of injuries

Varela has played 110 competitive games (12 goals) for Schalke since making the move from Nacional Montevideo in 2002.

He had to deal with a lot of injury set-backs in that spell, several knee injuries or a thyroid disease among them.

"He deserves a fair chance"

"We have always been convinced of his sporting qualities and his attitude. After overcoming all those injuries, he deserves a fair chance for a new start. I'm confident that Gustavo has a future here. He just has to get through a season without major injuries once", sporting director Andreas Müller said.

Gustavo Varela wants to take the chance. "I have just one wish: to play football again at last and contribute to the team's success here at Schalke."

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