Berlin, Aug 31 (IANS): Bundesliga football club Schalke 04 have signed AC Milan midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng on a four-year deal.

Kevin Prince Boateng returns to Germany after four years of absence to put pen to paper on a contract until June 2017, reports Xinhua.

The Berlin born midfielder played in 2009 for Dortmund on loan, however, the BVB didn't make the deal permanent due to financial reasons. Before his time in Dortmund he spent two years with Berlin, then in 2007, he joined Tottenham Hotspur for two years.

In addition, he wore Portsmouth's jersey for one year before he moved to Milan to score 10 goals in 74 matches.

The 26-year-old midfielder worked his way through all German national youth teams yet he decided to play for the Ghana's national team, scoring one goal in nine caps.

"The Bundesliga is the best league in the world, thus the best players belong there," Boateng said. "He is a player with extraordinary skills and a leadership personality," Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt said.

Boateng is well known for his versatility in the midfield as he can shoot with both feet. Schalke's new arrival will face his half brother, Jerome Boateng, who plays for Bayern Munich.