Bundesliga News

Bundesliga veteran Subotic leaves for Turkey

By Peter Weis   @PeterVicey

FC Union Berlin's professional relationship with a veteran of 12 Bundesliga seasons officially ends on Friday. His contract cancelled, Neven Subotic heads eastward on a free.
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Former Dortmund mainstay Neven Subotic’s return to the Bundesliga officially lasted only one year. German footballing magazine Kicker reports that he is due in Turkey tomorrow morning, where he will sign a new contract with Denizlispor.


The 31-year-old made 23 appearances for 1. FC Union Berlin last season, tallying once in a 2-0 19th round win over FC Augsburg. Counting his time at Mainz, Dortmund, and Köln, the Bundesliga veteran leaves Germany having made a total 254 appearances in 12 Bundesliga seasons since 2006.

As a respected veteran voice, Subotic was one of the only players willing to publicly express misgivings about player safety as the Bundesliga prepared to become the first major global sports league to re-start its season post-COVID lockdown.

Subotic’s cautionary words didn’t prevent him for reporting for duty. As late as June, it appeared as if he would be in for a long stay at Köpenick. He announced his intention to take a more active role in the player’s union before the season concluded.

Subotic’s media appearances were not always sanctioned by the club and some dissatisfaction was reported. Nevertheless, the reason for his departure was more closely related to Union’s procurement of central defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Robin Knoche during the off-season.

In August, club and player agreed to the termination of Subotic’s contract, which still had one year left on it. At the time, Eisern managing director Oliver Runhert had cordial parting words.

“Neven’s experience aided us immensely in our quest to remain in the division and he met our expectations. He now seeks a new goal and we are pleased to support him,” Runhert said in announcing the cancelation of the contract.



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