BERLIN, Jan. 23 -- Leon Goretzka's decision to join Bayern Munich next summer is causing tension between his current club Schalke 04 and the German national team.

While the 22-year-old midfielder and German international signed a four-year contract with the Bavarians, a Schalke official said the club is considering sidelining him for the rest of the season in case his plans affect the team's progress due to fan protests.

"My first reaction was, he should never again wear our shirt. And if the fans reaction has any impact on the team, he could well find himself sitting on the tribune for the rest of the season," 61-year-old head of board Clemens Toennies said in a TV interview.

As Goretzka is a key performer of the German 2018 World Cup squad, the national team's director Oliver Bierhoff has urged Schalke to play a fair game. "Everyone knowing about Leon's good character is convinced he will invest all he has for Schalke for the rest of his contract," the 49-year-old commented.

Bierhoff is aware of the particular emotions surrounding the club, but said Toennies has to consider the consequences of his statements. Every club has a responsibility for its employees, he stressed. "Leon is a professional with a great heart and Schalke should not just drop him. He was always honest with Schalke, and he is not to blame for doing the next step in his career."

Last week Goretzka told Schalke about his decision. "We are sad to lose such an important player as we have crossed our limits to convince him to stay," said Schalke's managing director Christian Heidel. Rumors swirl about a 10 million euro offer per season.

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