Demirović goal brought "sleepless nights at home" to an end after summer of rumours

Chipping in with a goal in VfB Stuttgart's 4-1 rout of 1.FC Köln last night, Ermedin Demirović was a man seeking redemption.

“I set out to regain respect for my name," the striker said, referencing persistent rumours linking him a transfer away from Stuttgart.

"There had been a lot of talk lately, with people saying I was a potential sale. Now I've been able to show that I'm here.

“It meant sleepless nights at home. Even in training camp, a lie was spread that the coach wanted to sell me.

"And I'm not just another player who can't find another club. I wanted to stay here and had great talks with the coach.

“I wanted to continue on this path and not look for an exit,” said the 28-year-old who was heavily connected with a Galatasaray move.

Among others, Galatasaray made the Bosnian international a lucrative offer. But Demirovic declined.

Sky Germany even reported several weeks ago that coach Sebastian Hoeneß was open to selling the striker. 

However, when asked about it at the time, the 44-year-old coach made a point to say he "was irritated and annoyed by it.”