News Focus
- The Borussia Dortmund centre-back has a release clause valid for specific elite clubs this summer
- Supporters voiced their anger after his new contract details emerged in April
- Schlotterbeck insists his only target is helping Germany succeed at the tournament
- Liverpool and Real Madrid are reportedly among the clubs monitoring his situation
Nico Schlotterbeck has rejected claims that he wants to use the World Cup to find a new club. The Borussia Dortmund defender says this is not his plan.
The 26-year-old signed a new long-term deal in April. The contract has a release clause. Only some top clubs can use it. Liverpool and Real Madrid are among those teams.
Some people think Schlotterbeck will try extra hard at the World Cup to impress these clubs. They call the tournament a “shop window”. The Germany international disagrees.
“What is a shop window? I play 50 games every year,” he told Bild. “I always try to play well. This is normal. I do not need the World Cup to show myself to clubs.”
He says he only wants to help Germany win. His focus is on the national team, not on transfers.
Dortmund fans were angry about the release clause. They booed Schlotterbeck before and during the clash against Bayer Leverkusen. This happened after he signed the new deal.
The defender says he did not hear the boos during the game. “I was not outside before the match started. During the game, I heard nothing. Someone told me after,” he said.
He understands that fans can share their feelings. He says the anger has stopped now. “The fans have been calmer in recent games. I have played well. I am happy with my new contract. Now I look forward to the World Cup with Germany,” he said.