FC Schalke 04 is letting a talented defender go after eleven years together. Denis Milic leaves the Knappenschmiede.

Defender Denis Milic and FC Schalke part ways after eleven years together. The 19-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today (Wednesday, 7 June), played at the Knappenschmiede since 2012.

After the last season in the U19s, it is now over. “Of course it is sad on the one hand when you leave a club after such a long time. I am a Schalke player through and through and would have liked to have made the breakthrough here. But the club plans differently. You have to accept and respect that. When one door closes, another one opens. That’s how I see it and I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” explains the defender, who can be deployed on the right side and as a centre-back.

Last season, the German-born heir only made nine appearances. “Unfortunately, I was set back a bit. Sure, I would have liked to play more games as well. But this time has made me all the stronger,” he emphasises.

Where Milic will play in the future has not yet been decided. But it will be in the regional league. Some trial sessions are also planned here soon. “I believe that the regional league is the next logical step for me. My advisors are exchanging ideas with various clubs and are well on the way to reaching an agreement,” he reveals.

Despite his Schalke exit, the high school graduate has by no means given up on professional football. Milic: “I’m in a good agency that I trust completely. They have plans for me and I will go full throttle. I haven’t given up on professional football by a long shot. The fact that I’m leaving Schalke doesn’t mean that I can’t realise my dream of making a profit somewhere else. As I said, my path is just beginning. I’m looking forward to my first senior experience. Hopefully then in the regional league. “