Monday, 8th July, 2013
Julian Draxler has reaffirmed his faith in Schalke, by stating that big-money offers from Manchester City and Real Madrid meant nothing to him the face of a "sporting challenge".
Draxler was signed up to a long-term deal earlier this summer, but that has not stopped major European clubs from prying on his €45.5m release clause.
It is understood that Real Madrid and Manchester City were willing to front up the release clause and offer an attractive salary package, but Draxler insists he was not one to desert Schalke.
"I do not even think about all these rumours", he told Bild. "I have knocked down a lot of money [with the bids], but it’s not like I am living off bread and water here.
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"The last few days of my vacation were hectic as the phone was ringing quite often. I’d be lying if I said I did not think about such offers.
"[But] for me, it’s more about having a sporting challenge than the money. And with Schalke it becomes a matter of the heart for me."
The 19-year-old’s contract ties him down until 2018, while his club’s sporting director Horst Heldt has admitted he will have to live with a near-constant stream of offers for his young charge.
If Draxler has a similar season to the last one – where he scored 10 goals in 30 league games – Schalke may find it increasingly difficult to keep hold of him, a fact which the player also acknowledges.
"[Next summer] I may reconsider", he added. "But it’s not a case that I’m already sure of leaving."
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