I leave as a Player
But i remain as Fan.
Four weeks ago, if someone would have asked me if i was gonna leave this transfer period, I would have declared him to be crazy. Since today it is reality, and to be honest - I'm still a bit speechless.
Over the last years i could have joined other clubs. Each time, I decided to stay with my youth club and categorically excluded a transfer within the Bundesliga, with conviction. FC Schalke 04 was more than just a stop for me. Since 2001, the club has been an essential part of my life that I have unconditionally trusted, as a fan, a youth player and as a professional.
In recent weeks, this trust has been put to test several times. Being Captain is only a part of it. Travelers can be stopped, if you really want them to, but I am firmly convinced that the current solution helps us all: It helps the club to avoid discussion about my person week in week out, and it helps Myself to start a new, unstressed chapter in my life.
My biggest wish is that FC Schalke 04 will play a successful season and will be back in europe next season. If i find the time, I will be at the stadium as a fan and keep my fingers crossed for my old team mates. Just as i did against Mainz, just as every coworker, acquaintances and the club environment deserves it.
I leave as a player, but I remain as Fan.
once Schalker, always Schalker!