Ellyes Skhiri was one of the main pillars in midfield at 1. FC Köln for four seasons and was also an absolute must under head coach Steffen Baumgart. It is now clear that he will leave the Domstädter. On Wednesday, Skhiri said goodbye emotionally to the Cologne fans.
His last season was probably his best at 1. FC Köln. The Tunisian made 32 Bundesliga appearances for the Rhinelanders last season, scoring a strong seven goals for his colors.
The four-year guest appearance at Effzeh has now ended, Ellyes Skhiri wants to take the next step in his career.
“A new adventure is waiting for me. A new phase that I hope will allow me to evolve and advance to achieve my dreams and sporting goals,” wrote the 28-year-old in an Instagram message to his nearly 116,000 followers
Skhiri leaves 1. FC Köln after four years
Due to his commitment and his footballing achievements, the Tunisian national player was one of the crowd favorites of the Cologne team. Where exactly the midfielder will go was unclear until the very end.
Skhiri is said to have had offers from practically all top European leagues, with RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, AS Roma and Crystal Palace all being associated with him.
In addition to the club with all his teammates and coaches, the top performer of the last few years also explicitly thanked the supporters of Cologne, from whom he said goodbye emotionally.
“Thanks to the fans who were so extraordinary, unforgettable and loyal. You are the soul of FC! Thanks to this city, which is so open and warm,” wrote Skhiri, who previously had his contract with the Rhinelanders due to expire after four seasons together had not extended further.