Manchester City defender Ko Itakura has outlined his plans for his next club after a permanent move to Schalke fell by the wayside.
The Japanese defender has spent the season on loan with the 2.Bundesliga club, establishing himself as a key player in their return to the Bundesliga.
Schalke retained an option to turn his loan deal into a permanent one for €5m, something they were keen to make happen if they could.
However, their failure to secure deals for players such as Malick Thiaw meant finances at the club were left tight and unable to accommodate a deal for Itakura.
They’ve since announced they will be passing up the option to sign the defender permanently from Manchester City, leaving Itakura with a decision to make about his future this summer.
The defender is unlikely to be a part of Manchester City’s plans moving forwards and so finding a new club will be a necessity.
He reportedly has interest from Germany and England but insists he only wants a club that needs him.
‘It’s sad after all, I had a good season with everyone,” Football-Zone report him saying.
“Schalke is a good option for me, and I want to play with everyone. Schalke said they would do something about it, but this can’t be helped. It’s not Schalke’s fault, and I can’t do anything about it.
“I am grateful to Schalke for inviting me and giving me the chance to play for a big club. I’m sad to be out after a solid promotion to the first division, but I’m relieved or satisfied, I’ve achieved my minimum goal.
“Sometimes, I myself see things in the news first. I’m happy to hear about that. I want to go to a club that needs me.
“I haven’t decided yet, and I don’t know where it will be, but if I can show myself and play games where I go.”
