"It's not just a club or a city - it's home" | OneFootball

Before his move to Frankfurt, Zetterer took the time to do one more interview (Photo: W.DE).

Michael Zetterer final interview

It was an open secret that Michael Zetterer’s tears weren’t only a result of Werder’s DFB-Pokal defeat at Arminia Bielefeld. It’s now official that the 30-year-old will leave his long-term home in order to join Champions League side Eintracht Frankfurt. In his WERDER.DE interview, ‘Zetti’ discusses his emotional moment in the SchücoArena, special memories from his ten years in Bremen and the upcoming reunion this Saturday.

WERDER.DE: Hi Zetti, now it’s official – you’re leaving the club. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What was going through your head after the final whistle in Bielefeld?

Michael Zetterer: Wow, I don’t even know how to describe it. The days before, when I knew the move was going ahead, were already emotional. I was determined to play, but of course I really wanted a happy ending as well. It was an emotional rollercoaster after the final whistle; the whole situation was a very sad moment. It was a strange feeling to play my last game for Werder, at least for now.

Michael Zetterer's emotional reaction to the final whistle in Bielefeld (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: It must be hard to put into words – but what does Werder mean to you?

Michael Zetterer: Werder isn’t just a typical employer for me. Over the years, the club has become a lot more than that. My wife is from Bremen, my child was born here just a few weeks ago. For me, Werder isn’t just a club or Bremen just a city – this is my home.

WERDER.DE: It’s been over ten years at this point, since you joined Werder.

Michael Zetterer: I’ve had the opportunity to experience so many amazing moments, but there have also been a lot of low points. In my time at Bremen, I’ve developed a lot as a footballer, but also become the person I am today. I’ve never taken for granted that the club have always believed in me and in what I can do on the pitch. I feel incredibly grateful for my time here, and very proud as well. Of course, that makes it really difficult to me to say goodbye for the time being.

WERDER.DE: Which moments do you most enjoy looking back on?

Michael Zetterer: There are so many moments, even when I wasn’t playing – whether I was watching injured from the stands, or on the bench. Of course, I still have a lot of memories on the pitch, where I worked hard for a long time to be. The first Nordderby, securing promotion, my Bundesliga debut, the win in Munich or even my final game in Bielefeld are all moments I’ll never forget.

Captain Marco Friedl has become one of Zetterer's closest friends (Photo: W.DE).

WERDER.DE: Have you had a chance to talk to your teammates about your move?

Michael Zetterer: This is something that’s really important to me. I’ve known a lot of the guys, like Marco, Leo, or Romano, for many years. They’re not just my teammates, they’ve become real friends – of course, I’ve spoken to them about it all. There was a range of emotions: some sad moments, but also they’re all happy to see me get a chance like this. That’s why it’s not easy to say goodbye, but that’s a part of the game.

WERDER.DE: It’s crazy to think that you could start in goal against Werder next week.

Michael Zetterer: Of course, I’ve already thought about that. That’s the kind of thing you only really see in football. I’ve given one thousand percent every day here and I’ll do the same in my new role. That’ll be the case from the first training session and also on Saturday, when we face Werder. It’s an odd feeling, but I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a special moment.

WERDER.DE: Thank you for your service, your time and your passion. All the best, Zetti!