Monaco sign Brazilian defender Naldo from Schalke 04

PARIS - Struggling Ligue 1 side Monaco on Thursday announced the signing of Brazilian veteren defender Naldo from Schalke 04 until June 2020.

Naldo, born in 1982, played three seasons for Schalke 04 following his stint at Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg. In 13 seasons in the Bundesliga, he participated in more than 500 matches, including 90 in European competitions.

"It's a new project for me after 14 years in the Bundesliga. I thank Monaco for their trust. I will do everything to meet the expectations of the club on the field but also outside it. I want to bring my experience to help Monaco," said Naldo.

Naldo has been capped four times for Brazil, winning the 2007 Copa America with the Selecao. He is recognized for his leadership, defensive qualities and abilities in the air that allowed him to score 71 goals in career.

The only player to have played all 34 Bundesliga matches last season, Naldo was voted third best player in the competition behind Robert Lewandowski and James Rodriguez by the German Players Union.

With just 13 points from 18 matches, Monaco rank second from bottom prior to the French league's winter break.

"We are convinced that his profile will be an important asset in our desire to rapidly strengthen the workforce," said Monaco's Vice-President Vadim Vasilyev.