Bundesliga clubs bid farewell to departing players
Whether they are hanging up their boots or simply seeking a new challenge, Bundesliga clubs are known for giving their departing players a warm send-off. Here's a look at who is saying farewell this summer.
Zlatko Junuzovic (Werder Bremen)
After six years at the club, Zlatko Junuzovic bid farewell to the Bremen fans in Werder's final home game of the season. The Austrian, who has made 197 appearances in all competitions since joining from Austria Wien, admitted he had "mixed feelings" about leaving the club, but said he was "looking forward to a new challenge and new surroundings".
Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund)
Roman Weidenfeller did not get the chance to make one final appearance at Signal Iduna Park on Matchday 33 in the 2-1 loss to Mainz, but nevertheless received a send-off fit for a club legend. Only sporting director Michael Zorc (571) has made more career appearances than the World Cup winner (452), who clinched two Bundesliga titles and two German Cup wins during his time with the club.
Alexander Meier (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Frankfurt + Fußballgott = Alexander Meier. The striker experienced the highs of European qualification and the lows of relegation during his 13-year spell at the club and gave Eintracht fans the perfect send-off, coming off the bench to score the Eagles' third in a 3-0 win over Hamburg in his first appearance of the season. His contract expires this summer.
Salif Sane (Hannover)
Meier wasn't the only player to sign off with a goal in his final home game as Salif Sane also got in on the act. The Senegalese international, who will join Schalke in the summer, won the hearts of the Hannover faithful when he stuck by the club through their relegation before earning promotion the following season. The holding midfielder turned center-back has made 135 appearances for the Reds.
Dominic Maroh (Cologne)
Dominic Maroh could not fight back the tears following his final home game as a Cologne player and neither could the little boy who got his shirt after the 3-1 loss to Bayern. The 31-year-old joined the club in 2012 following their relelgation from the Bundesliga and became a fan favorite and first-team regular, making 156 appearances in all competitions.
Marwin Hitz (Augsburg)
In the lead up to Matchday 33, Augsburg announced that No1 Marwin Hitz would not be extending his contract. The Swiss shot-stopper will most fondly be remebered for becoming only the third Bundesliga goalkeeper to score from open play when he netted a dramatic injury-time equalizer in the 2-2 draw with Leverkusen in 2015.