In an interview with “Geissblog”, Cologne’s star striker Anthony Modeste spoke about his contract situation. The Frenchman’s contract runs until 2023.
The 33-year-old emphasized that safe planning for the future is important to him. “In April I’ll be 34 years old. At this age I don’t want to go into the next season with an expiring contract,” Modeste admitted openly: “Because if FC says at some point next season: ‘We don’t want to extend it with you!’ Then what do I do?”
Should another club that should irritate Modest offer the striker a two- or three-year contract, the fan favorite would “think about it and talk to FC”. Nevertheless, the Bundesliga club remains his “first point of contact”.
The most dangerous player at 1. FC Köln is therefore looking forward to the arrival of Christian Keller, who will take up his duties as the new sporting director on April 1st. Modeste announced talks about his contract with Keller are coming soon. “He certainly has a lot of work ahead of him and I’m looking forward to meeting and talking to him,” said the striker.
Can Cologne and Modeste qualify for Europe?
It’s been a very successful season for the 33-year-old. After returning from his loan at AS Saint-Étienne, he thrived under Steffen Baumgart and has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga so far. “I want to break the 20-goal mark,” said Modeste as a personal goal.
But the Domstädter can still aim for a remarkable success at team level. The European ranks are just four points away with seven games remaining. “I remember that after my return from China I said: I would like to play with FC in Europe one day,” said Modeste.
However, there was no major declaration of war against the competition. “It’s April. We managed to stay up. What could be better? Sure, I know what everyone wants to hear now, but we’re relaxed and not stressed,” said the Frenchman. “The most beautiful things happen without stress,” he continued.
Perhaps the Effzeh fans can expect a double happy ending with a contract extension and qualification for the European business.