News Focus
- Eric Martel will depart 1. FC Köln when his current deal expires this summer
- The 24-year-old midfielder turned down a new contract from the Bundesliga outfit
- His final appearance came in Saturday’s 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich
- The player seeks a fresh challenge after spending four seasons with the club
German Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln have announced that midfielder Eric Martel will leave the club at the end of the season. The 24-year-old has decided against signing a contract extension. This means he will depart as a free agent after spending four years with the team.
The club confirmed on Sunday that contract talks had broken down. Martel’s final match for the Billy Goats came during the heavy 5-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich at the weekend.
Thomas Kessler, the managing director, explained the situation to supporters. He said officials had stayed in regular contact with the player over recent months. The club presented what they believed was a fair offer to keep the midfielder. However, Martel informed them on Friday that he would not accept the proposal. He wants to take on a new sporting challenge at a different club.
Kessler stated that the club respects the player’s decision. He thanked Martel for his efforts during the past four years and wished him success in his future career.
Martel also released a statement to fans. He said wearing the Köln shirt had filled him with huge pride. He remembered both the highs and lows shared with the club. The midfielder thanked everyone at the stadium for their support. He added that playing in front of the home crowd always gave him special feelings.