Schalker International: Stefan Janssens

When did you become a Schalke fan?
It was around the time the club had players like Marc Wilmots, Emile Mpenza and Nico Van Kerckhoven from my country, Belgium.

What’s supporting Schalke like in Belgium? Are we popular?
Schalke are known as a family club in Belgium, and everybody knows about our great fans and the amazing atmosphere in the stadium. Lots of people still cannot believe that we were relegated.

Have you ever been to Germany or seen Schalke play?
Yes, the first time I visited Schalke was simply a dream, so I started going to watch the club more and more. I’ve even got a season ticket and I‘m responsible for ordering and distributing tickets in our fan club in Antwerp, Königsblau Vlaanderen (Royal Blues in the Flanders). I have attended every home game in recent years and seen us play often in Europe too.

Who is your all-time favourite Schalke player?
My favourite ever player was Raúl. He was incredible to watch and it was great to experience his time at Schalke as a fan.

What’s your favourite Schalke memory?
My best memory was the win in Madrid. Being with all the fans as we walked from the centre to the Bernabéu and watching us win there was simply great.

What makes Schalke special?
The atmosphere at the VELTINS-Arena, but also in away games is what sets Schalke apart.

Finally, why would you recommend supporting Schalke?
Schalke is like a big family and everybody needs to have experienced the noise in the stadium at least once! Lots of people have already joined us in Gelsenkirchen and then become Schalke fans!