Ron-Robert Zieler has signed for 1. FC Köln and returns to Geißbockheim once more. The World Cup winning goalkeeper penned a two-year deal on Monday evening.
“I am very pleased that we were able to win over Ron for FC. The discussions with him were very open and positive right from the start. We quickly realised that he wanted to take on this challenge and was also prepared to contribute his qualities and vast experience to the team. His leadership on and off the pitch and his willingness to take on responsibility were decisive factors for us. Ron was someone we really wanted in our squad planning and will make a valuable contribution to a successful season as an important piece of the puzzle,” said Sporting Director, Thomas Kessler.
Ron-Robert Zieler came through the FC academy between 1999 and 2005 before leaving to join Manchester United The 36-year-old rejoined FC in 2020-21 on loan.
“I grew up with FC, spent six years in the academy here and laid the foundations for my career. This is my home. Despite that, I wasn’t thinking about leaving until Thomas Kessler called. In all the years I’ve been at Hannover, it also feels like home. I spoke openly with both sides about the transfer. Right from the start, I felt that FC held me in very high regard and showed me clear prospects for the time after my active career, which was extremely important to me. That's why I decided in favour of my home club, where I will give my all for at least two more years to be successful with the team,” said Ron-Robert Zieler.
Ron-Robert Zieler was born on 12th February 1989 in Köln. After his departure from FC, he spent the following five years in England after he signed a professional deal with Manchester United. He featured for the reserves (19 games) and during his loan to Northampton Town, he played two games. In 2010 he returned to Germany and joined Hannover 96. He debuted in the 2010-11 Bundesliga season, established himself as first-choice and with 185 Bundesliga games and 25 European matches, made his way into the German national team. In 2014, he was part of Joachim Löw’s side that won the World Cup. After spells with Leicester City (nine games in the Premier League) and VfB Stuttgart (68 Bundesliga games), he made his way back to Hannover. Since 2019, he has been with Hannover 96 and made 158 appearances.