Gerald Asamoah is one of the most popular faces of S04 from the last 25 years. Now he has explained why he has not been back in the arena since his departure.
At the end of last season, the era of Gerald Asamoah at FC Schalke 04 came to an end. The contract of the 46-year-old was not renewed after almost 25 years with the Royal Blues. His position as head of the professional squad fell victim to the cost-cutting measures as part of a restructuring at the club.
The decision of the board caused heated discussions among the supporters of S04. The 43-time national player and World Cup participant in 2002 and 2006 is extremely popular at Schalke and, together with Mike Büskens, who was also let go, was one of the few remaining figures of identification at the club.
Some fans feared a sell-out of the Schalke soul, while others could understand the decision under the economic conditions.
Since then, things have been quiet around the former striker. He was an ambassador for the European Championship. In addition, Asamoah, who would like to work as a manager in the professional sector in the future, now has a little more time for his foundation for children with heart disease.
At an event held by his foundation in Solingen, “Asa” also expressed his feelings about his favorite club. “Schalke 04 has a plan and I wish the club only the best,” he said, according to the Solinger Tagesblatt, about the latest development on the coaching staff of the miners. Kees van Wonderen had followed Karel Geraerts because the club was not satisfied with the short-term sporting development under the Belgian.
Asamoah, who showed how difficult the end of his time at Schalke was for him when he left, has not visited the Schalker Arena since. “I haven’t been to the stadium since,” he explained. He still can’t face it mentally.
On the other hand, he has already made a return to Schalke. When his son Jaden recently played against FC Schalke 04 in the new DFB youth league at the Park Stadium with TSV Meerbusch, dad Gerald was there. A first step.