BERLIN, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Austrian international Alessandro Schoepf has penned a contract extension ahead of schedule, the German Bundesliga side confirmed in an official statement on Thursday.

The 24-year-old midfielder has extended his contract, which was stipulated until June 2019, for another two years to stay with the "Royal Blues" until summer 2021.

"Alessandro is a player who fits perfectly to us. Therefore we are glad that we were able to bind him in the long term," Schalke's sporting director Christian Heidel said.

Schoepf joined Schalke from lower league side Nuremberg in January 2016 to provide six assists and 11 goals in 68 competitive appearances.

"I am proud to wear Schalke's jersey. I fell very well in the team and the club. I am glad to be part of the club in the coming years," Schoepf told the club's official homepage.

Sixth-placed Schalke travel to rivals Bayer Leverkusen at the 23rd round in Bundesliga on Sunday.