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Hannover 96: World Champion, but… Ron-Robert Zieler: “I’m still missing that!”

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He is the Reds’ only world champion, 96 captain and fan favorite. Ron-Robert Zieler (33) has experienced a lot in his career and with the Reds: European festivals, Bundesliga relegation, return and deportation. But an ascent with a fan party on the town hall balcony is still missing in his collection.

The goalkeeper, who will play his 300th professional game for the Reds against Paderborn in a week’s time on Saturday – one day before his 34th birthday – talks about the longing and even more.

Aim about:

► The Training Injury. “It’s nothing dramatic. It was a press hit with Bright, we had a clash.”

► His 300th pro game for 96. “Insane, that’s a proud number – and almost everything was there: Europa League, Bundesliga, Cup, 2nd League. It’s been a long road and a long time. A lot has happened.”

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► The highlights of his career. “I will always remember my first Bundesliga game in Frankfurt. January 16, 2011, won 3-0. Mirko Slomka knocked on my door the night before and told me I was going to play. But also the Europa League games against Sevilla or our DFB Cup 3-0 win against Gladbach last year and the home wins in my first year as a professional player against Bayern. 300, that’s a great number.”

► The town hall balcony. “No, I have not been there yet. 300 games, but I haven’t done that yet. I still miss that! I was in the town hall after the World Cup in 2014 and was allowed to sign the city’s golden book. So I looked at what the balcony looks like from the inside. Of course, I always want maximum success. And I would wish that in the medium term we would be able to play the promotion. It’s a tough road, but not impossible.”

► Your own age. “I’m turning 34, it’s a good age. I feel great. Athletically, but also privately – and physically. I’m in good shape. And for a goalkeeper, 34 is a good age. I can well imagine playing football for a few more years.”

► His contract until 2024. “Hannover and 96, I identify completely with the city and the club. And that’s why I can well imagine staying here for a longer period of time – and also ending my career here.”

► The fan love. “Even as a young goalkeeper, I certainly had the respect of the fans, maybe more for my performance. Now it’s different again, has changed. The relationship feels even more intimate. That certainly has something to do with the fact that my path here at 96 hasn’t always been straight and easy.”

► The new generation. “A new generation of players is growing up. Some of the young players today are different than I was at that age and also have different interests. Social media, for example, plays a major role. I try to pass on my experience and to be there as a captain and a leader and to march away at the front. I have found my role.”

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► The changes. “It changed. Training preparation and follow-up didn’t play as big a role for us back then as it does today. When I see the number of players in the weight room before training today, it’s enormous. Or yoga is becoming more and more present in football. The offer has grown – and the boys, including me, are taking it up.”

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► The starting defeat. “Because of the World Cup, the preparation was special. We had plenty of time. It was disappointing that we couldn’t win the game. Without question, the whole matchday didn’t go well for us. But it’s also important for us that the team makes progress. I still have that feeling. And there are still so many games to play.”

► The threats of social media. “A topic that accompanies us constantly. You have to take it seriously. I was there two or three years ago, we clearly positioned ourselves back then. This is not purely a sporting issue. I’ve hardened a bit there, trying to let that bounce off. But when you read things like that, you ask yourself: Why do people do this? Why is this happening? You have to stop that, there should be stricter rules.”

Source: Asia Times

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