Kirchhoff wants to leave Bayern for Schalke

EXCLUSIVE: The loanee is keen for his short-term stay in Gelsenkirchen to become a permanent transfer

Jan Kirchhoff has told Goal he wants to turn his loan move from Bayern Munich to Schalke into a permanent deal in January.

The defender has spent the whole of 2014 in Gelsenkirchen after making 11 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side at the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign.

Kirchhoff is hopeful that Schalke will pick up their option to complete a €6 million permanent transfer in the coming weeks, but admits he is not sure whether the Konigsblauen are 100 per cent ready to make such a step.

“We have to be realistic about it. I was injured for a long time and before that in Munich I did not play regularly, either,” he told Goal.

“I expect this saga to go on for a while. It depends on me and my performances.

“Of course, I have a preference. If you would ask me concretely if I want to stay, I’d probably say ‘Yes’. Whether this fits for all parties at the end, is a different matter.”

Kirchhoff has also admitted that while things did not pan out as he had hoped at Bayern following his transfer from Mainz, he has no regrets about joining the German champions.

“In that moment that was just how it was for me. I am not sure if this is the case with everybody,” he added. “Bayern showed me where I could improve myself and what my role would be, and it was simply the best package at that time. That’s why I decided to join them.

“I don’t think [joining them was a mistake]. Today I am completely happy with the path I took. With knowing what I know today, I don’t think I would decide any differently now.”

And while the 24-year-old is looking forward to continuing his relationship with Schalke, he also has half an eye on a future away from Germany.

“Schalke is a huge club and I really mean that. They have a huge dimension and draw lots of attention. The team has class and high quality. I like it here.

“One day I’d like to play abroad and get some experience there. I like England and Premier League football. I have never played there, but from here it looks different.

“My belief is that when you’re young, the opportunity to work in a different country is appealing. I want to have that experience someday in my career. But at the moment this is still far way.”

Kirchhoff’s current deal at Bayern runs until June 2016. 

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