Schalke 04, a German football club, is undergoing a significant restructuring phase, leading to the departure of its beloved legend, Gerald Asamoah.
After nearly a quarter of a century serving the club as a player and in various management roles, Asamoah will leave his position as licensing manager at the end of the season.
The club's board boss, Matthias Tillmann, announced the decision in a statement, explaining that the role of Head of Licensing will no longer exist at Schalke for the new season. Tillmann praised Asamoah for his contributions, calling him a "legend," but noted that his ambitions no longer align with the club's plans.
Asamoah, who celebrated cup victories with Schalke in 2001 and 2002, expressed his disappointment at the departure. He stated, "Everyone knows how much Schalke 04 means to me. Here I not only played football and took my first steps in management, but over more than two decades I have developed into the person I am today. I have learned to love the whole environment and have always tried to make all Schalke fans proud."
Asamoah's departure follows the premature end of the club's collaboration with sports director and squad planner Andre Hechelmann. These changes are being seen as a belated reaction to the Bundesliga relegation last season. Despite the separation, Asamoah remains committed to the club, saying, "For me, this is more than just lip service: once a Schalke fan, always a Schalke fan."