Kenan Karaman looks forward to Revierderby after Schalke’s promotion

Kenan Karaman looks forward to Revierderby after Schalke’s promotion

Schalke 04 are promoted back to the Bundesliga after a narrow win over Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday night. Kenan Karaman scored the only goal of the game against one of his former clubs. Schalke’s captain was the guest in Bundesliga’s “Midweek Interviews” segment after the traditional club confirmed as 2. Bundesliga champions with two games to spare.

“They’re extremely excited. People are just waiting for promotion to the Bundesliga,” Karaman said about the atmosphere around the city right now. “After two difficult years, it means a lot to everyone connected to the club.”

The Stuttgart-born attacker suffered relegation in his first season at Schalke, but stayed at the club during its difficult spell. “The last two years in the second division were difficult for the entire club, so I’m very pleased that we’re doing so well this year. It’s definitely the best period for me here,” added the former Turkish international as he contributed 14 goals and 5 assists.

“It’s been my dream and my goal. When I signed my contract, I committed long-term because I had this exact vision of playing in the top division again with this club. I’ve had many great moments with the fans, especially after big wins.”

Karaman also pointed out the reasons that made Schalke a special club. “The club has an incredible history. But it’s also the people in the region that make it a big club. The connection they have to the club is something you rarely see.”

The versatile attacker scored his first Schalke goal three years ago in the derby against Borussia Dortmund. As expected, “Revierderby” was his precise reply when he was asked about the thing he looks forward to the most next season at the end of the interview.