Hamit Altintop to leave at end of season
09.02.2007
At the beginning of the week club officials were still hopeful that Hamit Altintop would sign a new deal with the Royal Blues, but on Thursday the 24-year-old Turkey international returned from the friendly in Georgia with bad news.
On arrival in Gelsenkirchen the versatile midfielder informed general manager Andreas Müller of his intention to leave the club at the end of the season. "We wanted him to stay", said Müller, "because we need players of his quality. Even though he hasn't always been in the starting line-up I consider him a first-team regular. Unfortunately he's now decided against us. We regret that very much but would like to wish him all the best for the future."
Altintop had the following to say on his decision: "I've learnt a lot at Schalke and been through highs and lows to become a better player. I've now decided to leave the club. I will stay in contact with Schalke, however, and they will always be close to my heart. I'm also determined to leave Schalke with a championship medal."
The Turkey international declined to comment on where he will be playing next.
