Captain Hector announces retirement

Former national player Jonas Hector will put an end to his active career at the end of the season. The 32-year-old all-rounder said this to his teammates in the locker room after the 3-1 win at TSG Hoffenheim in Sinsheim on Saturday.

“After my family, it was important for me to first inform my team, the coaching team and the staff. For the moment, I don’t want to say more than that I’m incredibly grateful for what we have together at FC,” says Hector quoted in an FC tweet.

After the game in Sinsheim, Hector gave a speech in the dressing room, during which the captain announced his departure. “The coach and I knew it. After 35 points it was clear that he would also tell the team. Every single one of his motives is understandable for us,” said sporting director Christian Keller without getting specific: “He has one nice speech. The long round of applause from the team paid tribute to a great FC player. After the season we will say a fitting ‘thank you’.”

FC thanked Hector via Twitter on Saturday evening. “There are still five great weeks with you as captain. Let’s enjoy them together. Thanks for everything, Jonas Hector,” it said.

The full-back and defensive midfielder has been with the Rhinelanders since 2010. He played 223 Bundesliga games and scored twelve goals for Cologne. In the recent past, Hector has repeatedly struggled with injuries and long absences.

The Cologne captain had already resigned from the national team in autumn 2020. After his debut on November 14, 2014 (4-0 in the European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar), Hector played 42 more times for Germany, always in the starting XI. His last appearance was on November 19, 2019 against Northern Ireland (6-1), in total he scored three goals and provided twelve assists.