Felipe Santana: It was a hard decision to leave Dortmund for Schalke

Felipe Santana says he is prepared for any abuse he might receive after making the “hard decision” to leave Borussia Dortmund for rivals Schalke this summer. The Brazilian defender only made 15 appearances last term, after falling behind Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic in the defensive pecking order at Dortmund, and decided to move on […]
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sambafoot_admin
2013-07-29 02:41:00

Felipe Santana says he is prepared for any abuse he might receive after making the “hard decision” to leave Borussia Dortmund for rivals Schalke this summer.

The Brazilian defender only made 15 appearances last term, after falling behind Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic in the defensive pecking order at Dortmund, and decided to move on to Schalke.

But the two Ruhr clubs have a fierce rivalry and Santana knows that he could well be targeted by the crowd during this season’s derby matches.

“It was a hard decision,” Santana told Goal.com. “For me, personally, though, the change has been good because I have got a new chance. And now remains to be seen what will happen.

“But since I have been here, I have been warmly welcomed and my personal contact with the fans has been good from the start.

“Since I arriuved, I have not experienced any catcalls against me and I hope it stays that way. But even if I should be booed, I’m prepared for it.

“What happened with Dortmund, happened. But I’ll always be grateful to Dortmund for what I have experienced with the club. Everything I’ve learned there, with all the people with whom I have worked – I will remember it all fondly.

“But everyone has to find their own way, and I have found my way here. I wish Dortmund all the best but now I’m at Schalke 04 and that’s what is important now.”

The 27-year-old, who signed a three-year contract, also stated that he is focused on securing a regular berth in Schalke’s starting line-up.

He added: “I’ve always said that there is nothing in my contract that says that I have to play every game. I have to fight for it.

“Unfortunately, I was slightly injured last week, but I’m fit again and I hope it stays that way and that I’ll have a good start to the season.”

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by
sambafoot_admin
July 29, 2013