Danish keeper Busk announces departure from Union Berlin
After eight-plus years in Köpenick, Danish goalkeeper Jakob Busk has announced that he will be departing 1. FC Union Berlin after the season.
Thirty-year-old Danish goalkeeper Jakob Busk has not made an appearance for 1. FC Union Berlin in some six years. The club's former #1 may have never gotten a deployment since die Eisernen were promoted to the German top flight for the first time ever five years ago, but his departure from his long-time club after nearly a decade nevertheless still constituted a newsworthy item for the Köpenick on Friday afternoon.
The once heavily-capped Danish youth international will be leaving Union on an expiring contract. Busk enjoyed favorable status among the club's fan-base as the team's starting keeper during several years in the second division. He made a total of 56 appearances for the FCU in the 2. Bundesliga. As current FCU skipper Christopher Trimmel made clear in a club-released statement, Busk remained an important figure in the locker room.
"He's so important for us and the team council because he's been at the club for so long," Trimmel's statement read, "The new players might not have him on their radar. But he knows the structures and the fan scene. He is one of the best representatives of the club."
Club managing director Oliver Ruhnert also issued a statement in which he wished Busk well. The net-minder seeks to continue his career and garner playing time elsewhere. Someone in his position may ordinarily contemplate retirement and potentially a coaching position with his long-time club. Busk made clear he wasn't quite ready for that yet.
"Jakob's time at Union wasn't always easy, but he never gave up or gave in," Ruhnert noted, "We are very grateful to him and wish him all the best for the future."
"I've had a lot of ups and downs in terms of sport, but I've also been very lucky to experience everything with this club," Busk himself said, "I've also found friends and a second family here. My teammates, the staff and the fans have made this time at Union something very special."
Busk started Union's test fixture against Magdeburg yesterday, yet was unable to go the full 90 minutes due to issues with his calf. It remains unclear as to whether the club will give him - fitness permitting - an official "farewell fixture" in the league. It does stand to reason that, should Union secure safety, Busk may get the nod in a meaningless game near the end of the season.