By Peter Weis@PeterVicey

Rangnick officially tells Schalke "no thanks"

Ralf Rangnick released a statement on Saturday officially withdrawing himself for any consideration for the vacant sporting director position. 
Citing "numerous uncertainties within the club", Ralf Rangnick ended any speculation that he would consider returning to FC Schalke 04 as the chief executive.

His full written statement reads:

"Schalke is very close to my heart. The overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the Königsblauen community have influenced me and confirmed my feelings for this very special club."

"I would have loved to been involved in helping Schalke on its difficult road back to its former strength. Unfortunately, due to the numerous uncertainties within the club at the moment, I do not see myself being able to take on sporting responsibility at S04 at the moment."

"My wish for all members and supporters of the club is that they will successfully join forces to unify Schalke on and off the pitch and lead it back to the top."

Dr. Jens Buchta, acting chairmen of the Schalke advisory board, also released a statement in which he labelled the work of a 14-member initiative, which revealed itself at a Wednesday press conference, as "damaging to club."

The group attempted to act outside the influence of the supervisory board, beginning an online petition to compel the administrative council to hire Rangick. The petitioned gathered well over 30,000 signatures before the association went public on Wednesday.

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