At FC Schalke 04, Henning Matriciani made a steep ascent from the second team to the crowd’s favourite. Now the central defender is waiting for a reward.
As reported by “Sport Bild”, Matriciani’s working paper, which is currently dated until 2024, is to be extended in the coming weeks. However, the newspaper did not reveal how long the 23-year-old’s new contract should be valid.
Matriciani was lured by Gerald Asamoah from SV Lippstadt 08 to FC Schalke 04 in 2020. The defender, who had already completed a career as a professional player, was initially deployed for the Knappen reserve team.
In May 2021, however, he made his Bundesliga debut in a 4-3 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. A total of 27 more appearances followed for the Schalke pros.
In the past second division season, Matriciani was mostly a substitute. In the current season, however, the 23-year-old is an integral part of the starting XI.
His robust and unconditional style of play, his spectacular sliding tackle and his modesty are well received by Schalke. Matriciani has long since become a crowd favourite.
Matriciani nominated for the U21 national team for the first time
With the nomination for the U21 national team, Matriciani was recently rewarded for his strong performance. “Henning deserves the nomination. I got to know him here as a very likeable and self-confident young man,” said DFB coach Antonio Di Salvo.
“A dream is coming true. I am an example of how latecomers can make their way into professional football,” stressed Matriciani, who did not play in the 2-2 draw against Japan. However, he made his debut in the goalless draw against Romania and came on as a substitute with 15 minutes remaining.