Bordon confirms Schalke move

The Brazilian stopper is not out-of-contract until next year, but he has already confirmed that he will be moving to Schalke.

"The main reason is that this is my last big contract in Europe and I have to think about my family," said Bordon.

"I am also keen to start something new at Schalke.

"Schalke want to build up a big team and have already signed Ailton and Mladen Krstajic [from Werder Bremen].

"Going there is a real challenge for me."

The 28-year-old has already agreed a deal until 2008 with Schalke, but Stuttgart must now decide whether to wait until next year when Bordon is a Bosman transfer or whether to sell him on to their rivals this summer.

"Marcelo must have got a sensational offer and we are not able to compete," said Stuttgart coach Felix Magath, who stated that they will keep Bordon until 2005.

"However, we have now one and a half years to find a suitable successor for him."