Robin Gosens has completed a transfer from Fiorentina to Schalke 04, marking his departure from the Italian club with an emotional and bitter farewell message on social media. The German international revealed he felt he was "pushed out" and expressed confusion over the circumstances that led to his exit.
Gosens stated he was frozen out of the squad and informed not to attend pre-season training by new coach Fabio Grosso, despite having a contract until June 2028. This left him with no alternative but to seek a new club, quickly reaching an agreement with Schalke 04, a team he supported as a child.
The move is reportedly a loan with an obligation to buy, valued at approximately €2.5 million plus add-ons. Upon completing the transfer, Gosens shared a heartfelt message to Fiorentina fans, not hiding his disappointment with the club's directors.
“When two years ago I had the opportunity to play for Fiorentina, I was happy. I never could’ve imagined how much happier I would become as time went by. We found a home here, my first year went incredibly well, the second incredibly badly,” Gosens wrote. “But what never changed was that every single day here, I gave my life. On the field and off it. I always behaved fairly, towards everyone.”
He continued, “Today a chapter closes that I didn’t think would close. Not like this, not this way, and not with these dynamics. It is unexpected, and precisely because of that, it is painful. I spent a lot of time reflecting over the past few days, because our hearts are truly fond of this city and this club. I went to train without creating chaos and I am still trying to understand what could’ve happened in such a short space of time.”
Gosens felt the decision to exclude him from the squad was deeply impactful, believing his time at the club deserved a different conclusion. He emphasized the mutual expectation of gratitude, respect, and effort between clubs and players, asserting he always provided these elements.
“I would’ve loved the opportunity to fight for my place, but there’s no point fighting when there is no possibility of victory,” he stated. “As far as I am concerned, I leave here only with gratitude. Gratitude for the intense and wonderful time we spent together in this club, in this incredible city. And I leave aware that I left my heart and soul here, with every second.”
He extended thanks to everyone who supported him, including his teammates, kit staff, chefs, waiters, coaches and their staff, and the medical team. He also thanked the fans for making him feel at home and Rocco Commisso and his family for the opportunity.
Gosens, who recently turned 32, has spent most of his career in Italy, having joined Atalanta in 2017, then moved to Inter, and returned to Serie A for Fiorentina in the summer of 2024 after a brief stint with Union Berlin.
