Goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler has finalized a move from Hannover 96 to 1. FC Köln, the Bundesliga club announced on Monday evening. Zieler has signed a two-year contract with the promoted side, bringing an experienced presence to their squad.
“His leadership qualities both on and off the pitch and his willingness to take responsibility were crucial factors for us” stated 1. FC Köln’s Sporting Director Thomas Kessler. “Ron was a desired player in our squad planning and will be a valuable contributor to a successful season.
Zieler’s connection to FC Köln runs deep, having been developed within the club’s youth academy between 1999 and 2005. He subsequently moved to Manchester United’s youth setup before returning to Germany. Notably, the 36-year-old also had a loan spell at Köln during the 2020/21 season.
“This is my home” Zieler commented. “From the beginning, I felt a great deal of appreciation from FC and a clear perspective was shown to me regarding my future after my active career, which was extremely important to me. That’s why the decision to join my home club was made, where I will give my all for at least two years to help the team achieve success.
Zieler initially arrived in Germany from England in 2010, joining Hannover 96. He swiftly debuted in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as the team’s starting goalkeeper and earning recognition for the national team, appearing in 185 Bundesliga matches and 25 European fixtures.
The experienced shot-stopper was part of the German squad that secured the World Cup title in Brazil in 2014. His career has also included spells with Leicester City (nine Premier League appearances) and VfB Stuttgart (68 Bundesliga matches) before returning to Hannover 96 in 2019. He has featured 158 times for 96 since then.
