St Gallen born Barnetta started his career in FC St. Gallen’s youth teams and became a regular first team player at the age of 17. He signed with Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the 2004/05 season. After a loan spell at Hannover 96 he returned to Bayer 04 in 2005 and became a key player for them (229 competitive matches / 26 goals). After eight successful years in Leverkusen he joined Schalke 04 (22 Bundesliga games).
The 28 year old midfielder ran through all of Switzerlands youth teams and is currently on 69 matches for the Swiss national side (10 goals). He commented on the transfer: “I am very happy that the deal came together and I am looking forward to get to know the team and the city. But first of all I will join the Swiss national team alongside Pirmin Schwegler, we will return in 10 days.”
