Arne Maier wants to leave Hertha this month
Arne Maier has expressed desire to depart Hertha BSC during the January transfer window.
Hertha BSC midfielder Arne Maier says he has made it clear to the club that he wants to leave this month.
Following the signing of Santiago Ascacibar from VfB Stuttgart and Lucas Tousart set to join Hertha from Olympique Lyon in the summer, Maier is worried about his prospects at the German capital club.
"After intensive consideration, I asked for a meeting with [sporting director] Michael Preetz and [head coach] Jürgen Klinsmann and informed them of my decision to leave during this transfer window," Maier told Bild and added:
"As a footballer, you want to play, feel needed and help the team on the pitch. I no longer believe that I can take on this role at Hertha in the near future.
"I'm really grateful to Hertha and have many fond memories of the last 12 years here in Berlin. But at the moment, leaving is simply the best solution," the 21-year-old said.
According to Kicker, however, Hertha aren't willing to let Maier go this month and have already made this clear to him.
Having struggled with a long-term knee injury, the defensive midfielder has made just two appearances for Hertha this season.