On Saturday, Eric Martel made his 134th appearance for 1. FC Köln in the Allianz Arena. It is also his last. He will leave FC after four years at the club, having decided not to renew his contract.
“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 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.”
Eric Martel arrived at Geißbockheim in Summer 2022. In his first season at the club, the 24-year-old made 29 appearances and developed into a key first-team player in his second campaign. He went through highs and lows with FC, played internationally, got relegated and promoted straight back to the Bundesliga. Now he has decided to take on a new challenge.
“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,” said Eric Martel on his departure. “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.”