Ralf Fährmann to move to Eintracht Frankfurt

Schalke 'keeper Ralf Fährmann has decided to not renew his contract and move to Eintracht Frankfurt for the upcoming season. The twenty year-old Germany international informed Königsblauen general manager Andreas Müller that he will be leaving the club to continue his development:

"It's not a decision against Schalke, it's one for my future development as a player. The training here and commitment of everyone involved from youth to senior level in the last six years has made it possible for me to gain a foothold as a professional. It's very, very hard for me to leave. But because Schalke are sure to have an excellent young first-choice keeper for years to come in Manuel Neuer, I need to go elsewhere for a chance to get match practice at the highest level."

After joining Schalkke five years ago from Chemnitzer FC the young goalkeeper has developed into one the more promising players at his position. However with his ascendancy to being the clubs "number one" roadblocked he decided to move.

Andreas Müller said of parting 'keeper:

"Ralf is not only a good goalkeeper, he's a great guy. He's demonstrated his potential in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Cup this season and I can understand other clubs being interested in a highly rated keeper whose contract is running out. I had hoped he would see his future with us. We would have liked to hold on to him, as we've been telling him for months when we discussed a number of options for another contract. Ultimately we have to accept his decision, of course, though it's always exceptionally difficult to let a promising player from your own youth scheme go when you don't want to. We wish him the best of luck in any case and hope all his dreams come true."