One of German football’s greats will bow out as a player this summer. Gerald Asamoah wants to help Schalke’s second team to avoid relegation from the Regionalliga West in May. Then, the 36-year-old will be ready to start a new chapter in life.
The 2002 runner-up World Champion spoke to DFB.de, recounting his career highlights, winning the DFB Cup and missing out on the German Championship. The former Germany international is looking forward to his new life and discusses his future plans and the sadness in bidding professional football farewell. He also speaks about the restart of the Bundesliga season.
DFB.de: Mr. Asamoah, the Bundesliga is about to kick off again and Schalke host Hannover. That’s an encounter between your first professional football club and your last one, isn’t it?
Gerald Asamoah: Indeed, that’s the case. I’ll finish this season with Schalke’s second team in the Regionalliga and retire in the summer. After a hard day’s work I can feel every bone in my body. At some point, you just have to say: "That’s it." I’ll be 37 in October.
DFB.de: How do you remember starting out as a professional footballer with Hannover 96?
Asamoah: I have fond memories of that time. They gave me the opportunity to make something of myself and I’m really grateful for that. I still feel close to the city. It’s where I grew up and my family is still there. I’m really amazed how 96 have developed over the past couple of years. Hopefully, they’ll continue on that path. Obviously, I’m wishing for a Schalke win on Saturday though.
DFB.de: What’s in store for Schalke this season?
Asamoah: A lot. We didn’t have an ideal start to the season, but really improved before winter break. The lads have to carry on this way. Then we’ll be able to achieve our goals and qualify for the Champions League.
One of German football’s greats will bow out as a player this summer. Gerald Asamoah wants to help Schalke’s second team to avoid relegation from the Regionalliga West in May. Then, the 36-year-old will be ready to start a new chapter in life.
The 2002 runner-up World Champion spoke to DFB.de, recounting his career highlights, winning the DFB Cup and missing out on the German Championship. The former Germany international is looking forward to his new life and discusses his future plans and the sadness in bidding professional football farewell. He also speaks about the restart of the Bundesliga season.
DFB.de: Mr. Asamoah, the Bundesliga is about to kick off again and Schalke host Hannover. That’s an encounter between your first professional football club and your last one, isn’t it?
Gerald Asamoah: Indeed, that’s the case. I’ll finish this season with Schalke’s second team in the Regionalliga and retire in the summer. After a hard day’s work I can feel every bone in my body. At some point, you just have to say: "That’s it." I’ll be 37 in October.
DFB.de: How do you remember starting out as a professional footballer with Hannover 96?
Asamoah: I have fond memories of that time. They gave me the opportunity to make something of myself and I’m really grateful for that. I still feel close to the city. It’s where I grew up and my family is still there. I’m really amazed how 96 have developed over the past couple of years. Hopefully, they’ll continue on that path. Obviously, I’m wishing for a Schalke win on Saturday though.
DFB.de: What’s in store for Schalke this season?
Asamoah: A lot. We didn’t have an ideal start to the season, but really improved before winter break. The lads have to carry on this way. Then we’ll be able to achieve our goals and qualify for the Champions League.
DFB.de: The first half of the season with Schalke 04 II didn’t go too well and you’re sitting just above the relegation spots.
Asamoah: We’re obviously not happy about that. However, you need to remember that things changed last summer and we’ve now got a very young squad. Naturally, they’ll need some time to develop. I’m positive that we'll be able to draw our conclusions from the first half of the season and improve over the rest of the campaign. I definitely don’t want to retire being relegated.
DFB.de: What is your role in this young team?
Asamoah: I’m just one of the lads and I definitely don’t want to be treated any differently. I try not to miss any of the training sessions and I always give it my all. I’m aware that I’m a role model, so I act that way.
DFB.de: You still seem in good shape. Why are you retiring?
Asamoah: I just feel that it’s time. Like I said I can feel the strain on my bones. I still remember when I signed for Schalke and played alongside Jiri Nemec, who was 34 or 35 at that time. He was constantly complaining and I always made fun of him. He replied: “Let’s discuss this when you’re my age.” And now I totally see what he meant.
DFB.de: Does the approaching end make you feel sad?
Asamoah: Not yet, but I’m sure it will. At the moment I’m just totally focused on the second half of the season. However, I’m sure sad thoughts will cross my mind in spring. I don’t want to think about waking up in the morning and not having to get to training. I’m sure, that’ll feel strange.
DFB.de: What are you plans for the future?
Asamoah: Maybe I’ll just continue playing football for an amateur side. I can’t imagine life without football. I’m also sure that I will stay with Schalke 04. We’re currently in talks regarding my future role. Apart from being a player, I’m also one of the club ambassadors. I can imagine continuing this role, but I’m also interested in coaching.
DFB.de: Has Schalke become your second home?
Asamoah: Definitely! When my contract with Fürth ran out, I also had offers from second-league clubs. I just wanted to return to Schalke though. I missed this environment. That’s why I really don’t mind playing in the Regionalliga with a crowd of 300 or 400. In a way, this means I’m ending my career the way it started. In between, I was able to experience the big matches with an attendance of 60,000 or 70,000.
DFB.de: What are your favourite memories?
Asamoah: I’ll never forget my international debut. It was in 2001 against Slovakia and I scored a goal. Playing the final of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea was definitely another highlight. So was the 2006 World Cup at home. I’m also fond of the successes with Schalke, such a winning the DFB Cup in 2001 and 2002 and playing all those Champions League fixtures.
DFB.de: But there is one thing missing from your vita…
Asamoah: Yes, unfortunately I’ve never won the German Championship. I think we all know the story of the 2001 season finale, when Patrik Andersson’s injury-time equaliser for Bayern cost us the Championship. Nevertheless, football has given me so much and I’m grateful for all these incredible experiences. That’s another reason for starting a new chapter in my life. The show must go on, albeit in a different way.
