Manuel Neuer
Neuer is widely expected to leave for Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. Neuer, a local boy, joined Schalke's ranks in preschool days, and many hometown fans are disappointed with his decision to leave.
A video apparently shot by a mobile phone, and published online by a German newspaper, shows Neuer getting slapped as he bends down from an open-top car to greet fans lining the streets to celebrate Schalke's 5-0 win over Duisburg in the German Cup final.
Neuer appears momentarily stunned, but then stands up and motions to the fleeing fan. He then goes on celebrating with teammates.
The Germany goalkeeper announced before the end of the Bundesliga season that he would leave Schalke, either as a free agent when his contract ends next year, or this summer for a fee. He could hardly hold back tears as he announced the decision.
Neuer has not specified his destination but Bayern have made a bid for the 25-year-old keeper.
"The offer from Bayern is there. There is nothing further we need to discuss with them. We'll make our decision within a week," Schalke's manager, Horst Heldt, said.
Victory in the Cup final means a place in next season's Europa League and Schalke officials have expressed their hope that Neuer will stay for the duration of his contract.
Clemens Toennies, the chairman of Schalke's board, said he was "strictly against" Neuer's departure.
"We would lose our leader," Toennies said.
Coach Ralf Rangnick is also hopeful of keeping his star.
"He has another year on his contract so I think he will be playing for us next season," Rangnick said.
However, whether heavily-indebted Schalke can resist Bayern's offer, believed to be in the region of €20 million, remains to be seen. If he left at the end of his contract, Schalke would not get a transfer fee.
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