Modeste: extension or change? Ultimatum for 1. FC Cologne

Modest: Both mean a lot to me because FC means a lot to me. There is always more, but 150 games is a big number for such a club. I’m happy and grateful to be able to wear this jersey, I have a special connection to FC. I would like to use this 150-game mark to say thank you for all the support from the fans and the club.

FC are currently playing their best season since 1994 and are even two points better than in Europa League year 2017. Is the situation comparable?

Modest: And how many points did we have last year? Thats more important. Football moves very quickly. We, the whole club, just enjoy this moment – ​​that we managed to stay up so early. We have to keep having fun and not looking at what used to be.

Anthony Modeste: Baumgart can get 20-year contract

The squad has hardly changed, the most important newcomer was Steffen Baumgart. Your ex-teammate Rafael Czichos recently said FC should give him a ten-year contract. Do you agree?

Modest: The coach can also get 20 years (laughs)! As long as he’s having fun himself, of course. He’s done a tremendous job here so far. We players are all glad he’s here – especially me. I’ll gladly admit that because it’s just the truth.

Under Baumgart you blossom again. Such a special player-coach relationship is certainly not common.

Modest: It was similar with Peter Stöger. When the coach gives me confidence, I’ve always scored the most goals.

During the winter you had an extremely lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, but decided against it. What role did Steffen Baumgart play in your decision?

Modest: A very big one. But not only he, the whole club played a role. In the end we all decided together that I would stay here. I think that was the right decision. We’ll see how it goes in the summer. Then I have another year of contract.

Have there already been talks about extending the contract beyond 2023?

Modest: No, not yet. My advisor was last in town, but there are no talks yet.

Would you like to extend your stay in Cologne?

Modest: If the club asks me, I’ll think about it. As I said: FC is my club, I feel good here. Even more so this season after the last few years weren’t so good because I was injured or just didn’t feel that confidence.

Modeste: “I’m not that young anymore – my career will soon be over”

However, the financial situation of the club is difficult. Are you willing to make sacrifices to end your career here? Many are expecting a new offer from Saudi Arabia…

Modest: I have no problem talking to FC about it. But I also believe that many people would switch if a better offer came along. If you work in a supermarket and REWE pays more, you would do that too. I think that’s normal and I don’t understand why it’s such a big problem for footballers. I’m not that young anymore – my career will soon be over. That’s why I have to think about securing my family for the future. Yes, we footballers earn a lot of money, but not forever.

Do you want clarity by the summer as to whether and how FC wants to continue with you after 2023?

Modest: Before the end of the season I would like to know how my career will continue in the summer. Many factors play a role, but I’m relaxed about it. I play every game and enjoy my work.

Copyright: Herbert Bucco

In a good mood: Anthony Modeste at the interview appointment with EXPRESS.de at Geißbockheim

You mentioned your special relationship with FC. How important is this emotional factor for your future decision?

Modest: FC is in my heart and will always remain there, no matter where and how I am. But at the end of the day, everyone knows that players come and go.

How many years do you have left in the tank?

Modest: I want to play as long as possible. The body sometimes sees things differently, I know that from my own experience and can now appreciate the moment even more. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

What are your dreams for the rest of your career?

Modest: Just stay healthy, that’s the most important thing. Especially in the pandemic and with this shitty war.

Anthony Modeste wants to break the 20-goal mark

Alexander Wehrle is one of the key players in you playing for FC again. Now he has left the club. Did you have a special connection?

Modest: Alex is a great guy who fought a lot for me when I came back from China. Not just him, of course, but I have to thank him. It means a lot to me that someone has done so much for me. If at some point I can give something back to him, I would love to do that.

But please not in Stuttgart…

Modest: (laughs) At least I can visit him.

On Sunday, FC will be visited by one of the best strikers in the world: Erling Haaland. Can he learn anything else from you?

Modest: I don’t know, maybe with a header? Haaland is already strong. But Lewandowski remains the best. He’s a complete striker who can do anything.

You will also meet your friend Axel Witsel against Dortmund. Does your time together in China still bring you together?

Modest: We have a special connection, even if we haven’t seen each other that often lately because of Corona. He played a big role for me in China. God makes everything right – that Axel moved to Germany of all places and I returned. You don’t meet people like that very often, I don’t have that many friends in football.

Modest: All he can do is keep at it and keep working, it pays off. When you stop believing in yourself, it’s over. I’m a good example of never giving up – I’ve been so far away. Seb has a lot of experience himself. I don’t know if he has to look at me. But I know that if you lie on the floor 14 times, you have to get up 15 times.

You didn’t score a single league goal yourself last season – you’ve already scored 15. Do you have a personal goal for the last few weeks of the league?

Modest: If someone had told me at the beginning of the season that I would score 15 goals, I would have signed immediately. Last season it was said that I only had regional league level – 15 goals in the Bundesliga are good. But I would also like to say out loud that I want to reach 20. I’ll do anything for that. I hope and know that the team will help me.

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