Schalke 04 have completed the signing of Sascha Riether from Freiburg.

The defender, who previously had two seasons in England with Fulham, has agreed a one-year contract at the Veltins-Arena, with the option for those terms to be extended by a further 12 months if all parties agree.

"Sascha Riether is an experienced player, one who will be useful in our young team," sporting director Horst Heldt told the club's official website.

"He'll be an alternative on the right side because Atsuto Uchida has struggled with knocks recently."

The 32-year-old former Germany international has been handed the number 27 shirt for the forthcoming Bundesliga campaign.