By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Schröder leaves Schalke 04

In a rather surprising statement, Schalke 04 have announced that sporting director Rouven Schröder is leaving the club.
Rouven Schröder is leaving his position as Schalke 04 sporting director with immediate effect.

The struggling Bundesliga side have announced today that Schröder has stepped down at his own wish for personal reasons.

"Rouven has done things for the club that will perhaps only be fully measured and appreciated by the public in a few years' time. I'll say it quite clearly: without the work of Rouven Schröder, FC Schalke 04 would no longer exist in its traditional form. For this, he deserves the thanks of all Schalke fans," said Peter Knäbel, member of the executive board.

Schröder commented:

"The decision to leave Schalke 04 was anything but easy for me. Together we have experienced 18 highly intense months. I am very grateful to the executive board and all employees for their trust and the time we spent together. In particular, I will never forget the weeks surrounding the promotion. I wish the staff and fans of FC Schalke 04 nothing but the best for the future and keep my fingers crossed that we succeed in staying in the league at the end of the season."

Schalke sit bottom of the Bundesliga after losing their last four Bundesliga games. After relieving Frank Kramer of his duties, 'The Royal Blues' are still searching for his successor.

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