Huntelaar chose Schalke over England

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar admits he considered leaving Schalke for England, before eventually signing an extension with the club in December.

The Netherlands international, 29, was continually linked with clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal, but in the end made the decision to sign a two-year extension to his expiring contract at the Bundesliga outfit.

“The choice I had to make was one between Schalke and England,” Huntelaar said.

“I do not necessarily have to have played in every league, though. What matters for me is that I’m feeling well at a club, and that’s the case at Schalke.

“Schalke are simply a fantastic club. The stadium’s always sold out and the fans are amazing. It’s never boring and I need that.”

Huntelaar started his professional career in his native country, and also played at Real Madrid and AC Milan before joining Schalke in the summer of 2010.