Martin Fraisl has confirmed his departure from Bundesliga newcomers Schalke after being offered a contract by Europa League finalists Rangers, writing on his official Instagram account.
If this is to be Allan McGregor’s final game in professional football, then what a way to bow out.
A Europa League final in Seville; A fitting stage for a 40-year-old shot-stopper who laughs in the face of Father Time himself, producing some truly virtuoso performances for a Rangers side potentially just 90 minutes away from becoming the first continental champions hailing from Scottish soil since Sir Alex Ferguson’s mythical Aberdeen side.
Fraisl will certainly have big boots – or should that be gloves? – to fill should he take McGregor’s place between the sticks at Ibrox.
According to Spox, the 29-year-old Austrian could sign a deal until the summer of 2024 with the Glasgow giants.
And despite playing 26 times as Schalke bounced back at the first time of asking, sealing the Bundesliga 2 title just 12 months after the most humiliating of relegations, The Miners have confirmed what many had predicted.
That Fraisl’s contract, one that expires on July 1, will not be extended after all.
Europa League finalists Rangers want Martin Fraisl
“After a mixed start to the season, where everything indicated that automatic promotion would probably not happen, we managed to get closer and closer together as a team,” says Fraisl, bidding an emotional farewell to one of the most passionate fanbases in European football.
“Together we have managed to develop a very, very special mentality. The way we stood up for each other as a team, protected each other’s dreams and, above all, were there for each other when things went badly.
“Not only have we given the club it’s identity back, we made the people who live FC Schalke 04 proud again.
“I can honestly say that means a lot more to me than the league title on my CV.”
Fraisl is one of a number of senior players bidding farewell this week. The former ADO Den Haag man, who managed to keep club legend Ralf Fahrmann out of the starting XI doubts over his positional sense, is also a target for Norwich City.
La Liga and Serie A clubs are also keen.
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“We cannot take everyone with us,” adds Schalke director Rouven Schroder, via BILD. “There will certainly be some tears, and not ones of joy either. These are tough decisions.
“We said goodbye to some guys in a dignified manner and expressed our gratitude. As promotion heroes, they shall always remain a part of Schalke’s history.”
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