Defender Robin Gosens returned to his native Germany via Schalke on Friday, arriving from Italian side Fiorentina on a one-season loan, with the deal becoming permanent if the newly promoted team to the Bundesliga manages to stay among the elite clubs this season.

Gosens, 32, who previously played for Italian clubs Inter and Atalanta as well as Union Berlin, spoke of his 'special connection' to Schalke, the club he has supported since childhood.

Related news

In a statement, he said: 'They explained their plan to me and detailed my role and what they expect from me.' He added: 'I am very excited about this experience.' Schalke, the seven-time German champion, returned to the top-flight Bundesliga after four seasons in the second division. Gosens scored two goals in 24 appearances for the German national team, with his last international appearance in 2025.