Official: Defender Who Rejected Playing For Nigeria At World Cup Released By Schalke

Through official sources, German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 have announced that they will end their collaboration with Germany international Dennis Aogo at the end of this season.

Aogo has been released by The Royal Blues along with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Phili Neumann, Timon Wellenreuther, Holger Badstuber and Sascha Riether.

The management of Schalke 04 made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday, ahead of this weekend's clash against Aogo's former team Hamburger SV.

Now 30, Aogo revealed that he was approached by the Nigeria Football Federation to represent the Super Eagles in the months leading up to the 2010 World Cup but he rejected their advances.

Aogo explained : ''When I heard Nigeria wanted me for the World Cup, I had to really think about it. I hesitated because Nigerians won't recognize me as a true African, it's a totally different culture from what I am used to in Germany.

''I know many Africans who were born in Europe are now playing for African teams but they are not regarded as locals.''

The left wing-back lists FV Grünwinkel, Bulacher SC, Karlsruher SC, Waldhof Mannheim and SC Freiburg among his former clubs.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : schalke04.de