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 to the arena since leaving the club.

At the end of last season, Gerald Asamoah’s era at FC Schalke 04 came to an end. The 46-year-old’s contract was not renewed after almost 25 years with the Royal Blues. His position as head of the licensed players department fell victim to cost-cutting measures as part of a restructuring at the club.

The board’s decision sparked heated debate among S04 fans. The 43-time international and 2002 and 2006 World Cup participant is extremely popular at Schalke and, along with Mike Büskens, who was also sacked, was one of the few remaining figureheads at the club.

Some fans feared that Schalke was selling its soul, while others understood the decision given the economic circumstances.

Since then, things have been quiet around the former striker. He was working as a Euro ambassador during the European Championship. Asamoah, who would like to work as a manager in professional soccer in the future, now has more time for his foundation for children with heart disease.

At an event for his foundation in Solingen, “Asa” has now also commented on his beloved club. “Schalke 04 has a plan and I wish the club all the best,” he said, according to the Solinger Tagesblatt, about the latest developments in the Knappen’s coaching hot seat. Kees van Wonderen had replaced Karel Geraerts because the club was not satisfied with the short-term sporting development under the Belgian.

Asamoah, who was visibly moved when he left Schalke, has not returned to the Schalke Arena since. “I haven’t been to the stadium since,” he explained. He said he wasn’t mentally ready for it yet.

However, he has already made a return to Schalke. When his son Jaden recently played against FC Schalke 04 in the new DFB youth league with TSV Meerbusch at the Parkstadion, his father Gerald was there to watch. A first step.