“Emotionally hardest” choice
©IMAGO
After crashing into the 3rd league, Fortuna Düsseldorf has to make do without goalkeeper and top performer Florian Kastenmeier. The 28-year-old will not extend his expiring contract, as the club and players announced on Monday evening. Kastenmeier has appeared 228 times for Fortuna since his arrival from Stuttgart in 2019, conceding 320 goals and keeping 55 clean sheets.
“We tried very hard to find Florian Kastenmeier in order to take advantage of the small chance that he would stay at Fortuna. Flo credibly conveyed to us the appreciation for Fortuna, but sees his future in a higher league. We can understand that and would like to thank him for his great commitment,” said the new Fortuna sports director Samir Arabi.
Kastenmeier published a statement on his social channels and wrote: “Dear Fortunes, I know that you have waited a long time for this news. Believe me: it was never my intention to drag everything out so long. But it is the most emotionally difficult decision I have ever had to make. (…) Especially last season, I didn’t want to disappoint you as captain. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give you back what you deserved. (…) I have set myself goals for my career that I would like to achieve. Preferably with “But these goals have recently become a distant memory and I am at an age where I have to take the next step in order to continue on my personal path.”
Kastenmeier open future: As number two to Werder Bremen?
The keeper added: “Those responsible have tried a lot to get me involved in the rebuilding. I am eternally grateful for this appreciation. Nevertheless, I have to take a new path. I can’t say today where it will take me. I’m sorry that I won’t be able to accompany you any further.”
Kastenmeier is considered Werder Bremen’s preferred candidate for number two behind the permanently signed Karl Hein (24). According to the “Kicker”, the Regensburg native has received an offer from the Green-Whites, but has not yet decided whether he would like to accept the role as challenger. According to reports, second division team Hannover 96 and Bundesliga promoted SC Paderborn are also interested in Kastenmeier. If he turns down the SVW, Werder has identified the Dutchman Kayne van Oevelen (22) from FC Volendam as an alternative.