1. FC Köln lose key player on free transfer

Eric Martel is leaving 1. FC Köln as a free agent, having turned down a contract extension.

Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

After four years at 1. FC Köln, Eric Martel is departing the club on a free transfer.

The Billy Goats confirmed on Sunday that the 24-year-old has decided against extending his contract, which expires this summer.

This means Saturday’s 5-1 defeat to Bayern Munich was Martel’s final appearance in a Köln shirt.

“We were in regular, close contact with Eric Martel over the past weeks and months and gave him a fair and appropriate offer. On Friday, he told us that he would not accept and wants to take on a new sporting challenge,” said FC Köln managing director Thomas Kessler. 

“We respect that. We thank Eric for his efforts in the past four years at 1. FC Köln and wish him all the best for the future.”

Martel expressed his gratitude to the club and supporters for his time in Köln.

“Over the past four years, I was able to wear the Billy Goat on my chest, and that with huge pride. Together we went through highs and lows, but the positive moments will always remain and I will never forget those,” Martel said.

“Yesterday was my final game for 1. FC Köln and I want to thank everyone at the club from the bottom of my heart for this special time. To play in front of the fans in this stadium gave me goosebumps every time.”