The 32-year-old former German international goalkeeper was out of contract and joined Schalke to step in for starting goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann who heavily injured his left knee at the last Bundesliga match day.

　　"He has a lot of experience, the best goalkeeper age and he has an advantage, he kept himself fit at another club," Schalke sports director Horst Heldt said.

　　After 18 months Hildebrand returned into Bundesliga after he already played for Stuttgart (1999-2007) and Hoffenheim (2009-2010). Since he left Germany his career went downhill until he trained out of contract at Frankfurt.

　　"I'm full of energy and am looking forward to this great task," Hildebrand said.