Poulsen stays at Schalke

Christian Poulsen has pledged his future to Schalke after a summer of discontent.

Denmark international Christian Poulsen has given up hope of joining Villarreal and is now pledging his future to Schalke 04.

The Spaniards tabled an offer for the midfielder earlier this month, but The Bundesliga giants dismissed it.

"I am assuming that the issue is off the table now and that I will be staying at Schalke," Poulsen told Ritzau.

"I would have liked to join Villarreal and I openly said that, but I am not displeased with Schalke.

"My statement has not created problems for me, but I don't know how the fans will react."

Villarreal had wanted Poulsen to bolster their midfield ahead of their first UEFA Champions League campaign, but the Dane will now play at The Parkstadion next season.