Timo Horn to leave FC Köln after 21 years

After 21 years, Timo Horn’s FC Köln career will come to an end. Born in the city, Horn joined the club in 2002 and has represented the club throughout the youth teams and has gone on to play 329 game across all competitions.

“To leave FC is an incredibly hard decision, which everyone can surely understand,” said Horn. “Since I can remember, I’m an FC fan. Since I play football, I’ve been at FC and since my first-team debut in 2012, I’ve always been between the sticks for FC.

“This situation, following my injury, changed last season. Competition is part of football, the role of being number two is something new for me – despite that, I’ve always given 100%, taken the situation as it is and reached Europe for the second time in my career.

“To be part of the team and achieve that makes me incredibly proud. However, my goal is to play every week and be there for my team. Therefore, I have decided to look for a new challenge in the summer.

“Over all the years and experiences at Geißbockheim, the feeling of togetherness with the people in the club who always give everything for FC, I am very, very thankful. I will remain an FC fan, no matter where I follow the club from, and wish the club the very best.”

Horn, who has a contract until the end of the season, will not extend his contract after losing his place to Marvin Schwäbe.

During his time at the club, Horn has seen a lot. Making his debut in the 2012/13 2. Bundesliga campaign, Horn was a part of the team that won promotions to the Bundesliga in 2014 and 2019, and also helped secure a return to European football for the first time in 25 years back in 2017.

A loyal servant to the club, Horn is 18th in Köln’s highest all-time appearance makers since 1948 and despite interest, even after relegation back into the second division in 2018, Horn alongside Jonas Hector would both remain at the club.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

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