BERLIN, June 17 -- Schalke midfielder Lukas Schmitz joined league rivals Bremen on a four-year contract, Bremen manager Klaus Allofs confirmed on Friday.

"We have tried hard in recent weeks to sign him and we are glad that we could realize that. We gain a viable player to which we will set out on a successful path," Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf said.

Youngster Schmitz was in 2009 equipped with a professional contract at Schalke and then became part of the starting team on the left wing. Schmitz made 52 official Bundesliga matches, with eight Champions League matches and nine German Cup appearances.

"If you are working with the Bundesliga, then you must deal also with Bremen. They have always provided strong teams. I m glad that I can now be part of Bremen," midfielder Schmitz said after the signing.

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