According to press reports, championship runner-up Schalke offered Özil an employment contract through 2011 that would have earned the German U21-national player up to 1.52 million Euros.  After initial acceptance by handshake Özil refused to sign the contract - the offer apparently was not good enough for him. Özil caused further discord between Schalke and the player when he got into promoting the Nike-sponsored "Volkswagen United Masters Tournament" - whereas Schalke is partner for adidas.  With their letter dated December 12, 2007, the Club's lawyers therefore sought a cease-and-desist declaration from Özil and will otherwise file for labour court procedures.

Schalke's manager Andreas Müller: "Both sides now have to reconsider before there will have to be talks in early January. I hope Mesut finally comes to his senses. Our offer shows a huge degree of appreciation.  If another club offers more to him he should tell us. I will no longer have him mucking around with me."

[BILD December, 31 2007]

In this matter, Schalke 04 has been represented by Rechtsanwalt and Solicitor Theo Paeffgen and Rechtsanwalt Christian Eustermann from Paeffgen Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH in Bonn.