Simon Terodde is staying at FC Schalke 04

Schalke’s promotion hero has decided to go back on his decision to leave the club and will remain in Gelsenkirchen for next season. Simon Terodde signed a new contract with the Royal Blues on Friday (2/6).

“I was absolutely certain that we would stay in the Bundesliga, so that’s why we announced that I would leave Schalke a few weeks ago,” said Terodde. “I therefore told the board of my decision, but our relegation has changed everything for me.”

This change of heart was quickly recognised by the club. “As soon as the door opened for Simon to possibly stay, Peter Knäbel, René Grotus and I immediately did all we could to keep him here,” said sporting director André Hechelmann.”We had good conversations together with our head coach and we’re really pleased that we will continue to work with Simon. He provides the team with so much on the pitch, and is also a real leader off it.”

“Everybody saw after the final game of the season how much FC Schalke 04 means to Simon and how emotional our relegation and his departure was for him,” stated head coach Thomas Reis. “He’s an incredibly experienced player and possesses everything we need, including the desire to say goodbye to this club and the fans in a different way than last weekend. I’m looking forward to starting next season with Simon.”

Split contract

The striker commented: “I’ve realised once again in recent weeks how much the club means to me and that I didn’t want to end my time here yet. The fans’ support over recent months has been out of this world. Leipzig was a really emotional time for me. We’ve already managed to get promoted once and we’re going to attempt to again now. I’m really pleased that the club came to me and discussed possible plans for the future after the coming season.”

Terodde’s new contract is split into two. The overall deal runs for three years, but after each season the club will decide if Terodde will remain a first-team player or work for the club in a different capacity.

The 35-year-old will complete a trainee programme and receive full support as he looks to get his coaching licences. Terodde has so far played in 65 competitive games for S04, scoring 35 goals and assisting six.