Klass-Jan Huntelaar officially signs with Schalke from AC Milan
Dutch Striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar has officially completed his move from the Italian Giants AC Milan to German side Schalke. The player thus becomes the first high profile player to switch clubs on the final day of the summer transfer window. Schalke has made their second high profile signing of the summer, with Real Madrid legend Raul joining the Bundesliga club in July.
Schalke has paid a reported 13 million Euros for the 27 year old striker, who would join his former Real Madrid team mate Raul this week. While talking to the local newspaper, Schalke coach Felix Magath stated that the negotiations for the player were very tough but he was still very happy to finally have Huntelaar in the ranks. The manager went on to claim that Huntelaar is expected to help the side finish better than they did last season.
Klass-Jan has had a tough time since leaving his native land back in January 2009. The player made a high cash switch from Ajax to Real Madrid. The Dutch however couldn’t settle properly at the side, and made only 20 appearance in his single season with the Spanish giants. AC Milan then signed the Holland international, where he again managed to find his goal scoring form which led Real Madrid paying over the odds for the Ajax player. Since his departure from Ajax in January 2009, the player in total has managed only 15 goals in 50 appearances.
"Klaas Jan wants to continue his career at Schalke. Schalke and Milan have agreed on a transfer fee of about €13 million,", stated the player’s personal website. The player added that he never really wanted to leave AC Milan but things have changed since the arrival of former Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Schalke has had a difficult start to the season, as they have already lost two of their Bundesliga fixtures in the new season. Not only this, Jose Manuel Jurado has also agreed to signed with Schalke, making him the third signing of the summer. The UEFA Europa league winners have confirmed the transfer following their 4-0 victory over Sporting Gijon. Although formal details of the deal have not be announced, yet the Spanish media rate the playmaker to be worth around 13 million Euros. The player opened the scoring for Atletico Madrid, who thrashed Sporting 4-0.
The club released an official statement, claiming that Atletico Madrid have reached a formal agreement with Schalke for the transfer of the Playmaker. The agreement is now official and negotiations between the two clubs have ended on the night of August 30. "In the coming hours he will leave for Germany, where he will be presented by Schalke. The club thanked the midfielder for his services and dedication to the Spanish clubs during his years with the club. Atletico then wished the player best of luck for his future. The player joined Atlletico Madrid in 2006 from rivals Real Madrid, where he climbed up the ranks.
The player spent the 08/09 season on loan at Real Mallorca before returning to Atletico the next season. The team helped the Rojiblancos win the Europa league last season, which was Madrid’s first trophy in 14 years. The team also managed to reach the final of the Copa Del Rey.
"I know that I'm leaving my home, my friends, but there are times in life when you cannot say no”, stated the midfielder. The player added that he is a little sad of leaving his home town and complemented Atletico’s treatment with him over the years. The midfielder thanked his team mates and all the staff member. Jose went on claiming that he would not want to say a good bye but a see you later.
"I hope Atletico Madrid continue like they have been doing and have lots of luck this season.", claimed Jose Manuel Jurado
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