Ze Roberto signs for Royal Blues
04.01.2008
Schalke's second new signing of the winter break, Ze Roberto, arrived in Gelsenkirchen on Friday in the company of Marcelo Bordon. The Brazilian put pen to paper on a deal that will tie him to the club until 2011. Meanwhile the Royal Blues are also interested in signing a striker from Uruguay.
Ze Roberto will wear the number 15 shirt. According to general manager Andreas Müller, the versatile attacking midfielder is excellent in the tackle, extremely nimble and has impressive pace with the ball at his feet. "With these qualities he can make a decisive difference, especially against teams who defend very deeply", the 45-year-old explained.
The delay in signing the contract came about because the club took a great deal of time to complete the medical, added Müller. Ze Roberto is not match fit, but Mirko Slomka is not overly concerned. "He's had a long and tiring season and has recently been struggling with a muscle strain and an arm injury, but we'll be able to work on these things at training camp in Turkey", the Schalke boss said.
Ze Roberto is delighted to have joined Schalke. "The club represent a great challenge for me. But I'll be aiming to gain a first-team place as soon as possible." The Brazilian formed a first impression of Schalke, the VELTINS Arena and the fans at the Champions League game against Rosenborg on December 13. "The atmosphere in the stadium is unrivalled. My first impression of the club was superb."
With Albert Streit and Ze Roberto already on board, Müller was unable to say whether the Royal Blues would complete any more signings before the transfer period ends on January 31. "We are still on the lookout for a striker, though", he said.
One candidate is Vicente Sanchez of Mexican first division side Deportivo Toluca. Müller emphasised that it would not be easy to get the Uruguayan striker. "In Mexico Sanchez is the player of the moment. The club would come under enormous public pressure if they simply let him go."
The 28-year-old's contract runs out this summer. "But we want him now", stressed Müller. "It's going to take time to sort out, though. We'll have to wait and see what happens over the next few days."
