Sonny Kittel to leave Hamburg at the end of his contract | OneFootball

Hamburg and Sonny Kittel have both announced on social media that the attacker will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the month.

On Instagram, Kittel said:

“I thought long and hard about whether I should speak at all. Due to the fact that I have hardly ever spoken publicly in the past, I see this as a good opportunity to explain myself and my decision. Almost two years ago, I clearly signalled to those responsible at the club that I felt very comfortable at the club and in Hamburg and that I would like to stay longer. I was repeatedly told that they would like to get together as soon as possible, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been an offer to date.

Anyone who has dealt more or less with my career knows that I had to struggle with several setbacks in the past and that associated fears and worries about the future have developed. That’s why my goal was always to have certainty for me and my family early on about how things will continue. Precisely for the reasons mentioned, I had to deal more with the existing requests in the last transfer phases. Of course, long-term and financial security played a relevant role. Ultimately, the change did not come about for a variety of reasons. Despite everything, I have always tried with a lot of heart and passion to help the team to achieve our common goal.

Four years at HSV are now over.

140 games and I loved being able to play football in this jersey, to be able to drive to training every morning and to be able to wear the HSV clothes.

Until the last day I tried to do my best and be a role model for many young players in the team and to bring joy to the fans.

Thank you to everyone who supported me and to everyone who wore the jersey with the 10 and my name on it. That fills me with pride and gratitude.

I wish the club, the team, but above all the staff behind the team, the employees and you fans all the best. I got to know a lot of great people and thank you all for the valuable last four years.”

Kittel joined Hamburg in 2019 on a free transfer from Ingolstadt. During his 140 games for Hamburg, he scored 36 times and assisted 40 as the club failed to gain promotion back to the Bundesliga. The 30-year-old opened the scoring for Hamburg in the second leg of the promotion playoff against VfB Stuttgart before Hamburg went on to lose 3-1.

It has previously been reported by Kicker, that Kittel had previously completed a medical to join a club in the Saudi Arabia Pro League in the winter but instead stayed with Hamburg for the rest of the season. This could possibly be Kittel’s next move as the Saudi Pro League continues to make signings this summer.

Hamburg have also reportedly already found Kittel’s replacement with Eintracht Braunschweig attacking midfielder Immanuel Pherai expected to join the club.

GGFN | Jack Meenan