"This was in response to a desire expressed by Edu that he wanted a change," said Schalke sporting director Horst Held.

Edu, 31, signed for Schalke in January 2010 having played in South Korea with Suwon Bluewings.

He was a German Cup winner in 2011 and also scored twice in the 5-2 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League quarter-finals.