Jan Kirchhoff, 24, has came out today speaking to Goal about his desire to stay at Schalke following his loan spell at the Royal Blues from Bundesliga holders, Bayern Munich.  His loan at Schalke ends in June 2015.

Kirchhoff can play in various positions between defence and defensive midfield, posing at a monstrous 6 ft. 5; he has an aerial presence and possesses good passing ability.

Previously, he played for Mainz 05 before transferring to Bayern Munich, on a pre-contract agreement, but he never really found his feet in Bavaria. He was loaned out to Gelsenkirchen in late 2013, on a year-and-a-half loan.

This season, Kirchhoff has featured thirteen times for Schalke. The season before, he couldn’t break through into the first team following his mid-season loan and participated in the remaining two Bundesliga games, he was a winner in both.

“We have to be realistic about it. I was injured for a long time and before that in Munich I did not play regularly, either,” he told Goal.

“I expect this saga to go on for a while. It depends on me and my performances.”

“Of course, I have a preference. If you would ask me concretely if I want to stay, I'd probably say ‘Yes’. Whether this fits for all parties at the end, is a different matter.”

Kirchhoff admitted that while things did not pan out as he had hoped at Bayern following his transfer from Mainz, he has no regrets about joining the German giants and has not hard feelings towards Guardiola or Heynckes.

He said: “In that moment that was just how it was for me. I am not sure if this is the case with everybody."

“Bayern showed me where I could improve myself and what my role would be, and it was simply the best package at that time. That's why I decided to join them."

“I don’t think [joining them was a mistake]. Today I am completely happy with the path I took. With knowing what I know today, I don't think I would decide any differently now.”

With his Schalke career beginning to blossom, Kirchhoff wasn’t afraid to hint at a move away from Germany, in the future.

“Schalke is a huge club and I really mean that. They have a huge dimension and draw lots of attention. The team has class and high quality. I like it here.”

“One day I'd like to play abroad and get some experience there. I like England and Premier League football. I have never played there, but from here it looks different.”

“My belief is that when you're young, the opportunity to work in a different country is appealing. I want to have that experience someday in my career. But at the moment this is still far way.”

To sign for Schalke, Horst Heldt and Roberto Di Matteo will have to fork out €6million for him. His current deal at Bayern runs until June 2016.

Quotes via GOAL.com

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