"96 means too much to me for that": Zieler explains reasons for change
Ron-Robert Zieler has closed his Hannover 96 chapter. The veteran now spoke about the reasons for his decision to leave his long-time club.
His time at Hannover 96 is over: Ron-Robert Zieler. IMAGO/Nordphoto
Hannover 96 and Ron-Robert Zieler – they simply belonged together in the past. The former national goalkeeper (6 caps) also played for other clubs such as Leicester City (10 games in the 2016/17 season), VfB Stuttgart (74 games from 2017 to 2019), and Cologne (1 game in 2020/21). However, the now 36-year-old spent the majority of his career with the Lower Saxony club, for whom he made a total of 382 competitive appearances.
But now Zieler is closing the Hannover chapter and joining his youth and training club, 1. FC Köln . In a statement released by the 96ers, he explained: "I think everyone knows what Hannover, and especially Hannover 96, mean to me. I've made my home here, made friends, and I associate many crucial moments of my career with this club," Zieler wrote, explaining that he didn't want to stand in the way of the "major changes" initiated at 96 this summer.
"I've given this a lot of thought and had many discussions with those in charge. A new chapter is opening here. With fresh ideas, new faces, and a changed direction. That's part of football, and I respect that. I didn't want to stand in the way of this new beginning and perhaps even become a problem; 96 means too much to me for that."
When his youth club, 1. FC Köln, approached him and "made him an offer with prospects beyond his active career," it was clear to him that this was "the final step" to "reach this well-considered decision." His departure also gave Hannover the opportunity to "make a truly clear and consistent break—also with regard to the team's hierarchy."
96 had other plans96 managing director Marcus Mann explained that "our original plans were different," but Zieler approached him with the "proposal to go our separate ways this summer." "He was very open and explained everything clearly. When a player like him approaches us with these ideas, we naturally consider them seriously. We've had several good discussions over the past few days, but ultimately, they haven't led to him changing his mind."
In conclusion, Zieler emphasized that it is "incredibly difficult for him to leave Hannover 96" and noted that his "decision does not change my connection to Hannover 96." He promised that he "will certainly follow all developments and keep my fingers crossed that this club's path will finally lead back to where it belongs: the Bundesliga."
