Köln's Modeste entertains no thoughts of retirement: "I maintain the will to give everything."
Back with the German Bundesliga club with whom he once enjoyed his greatest professional success after a brief stint back France, Veteran striker Anthony Modeste wishes to make clear that he's far from finished.
For 33-year-old center-forward Anthony Modeste, the road always seems to lead back to Köln. Some may be tempted to write him off after an injury riddled 2020/21 campaign. Germany's cathedral city club practically did last January. In spite of the fact that the relegation-threatened Geißböcke didn't even have a natural striker with which to build their matchday XIs, Modeste was shipped out to St. Etienne in his native France to "work on his form."
In Modeste's case, even that proved impossible. The loan had to be cut short after six appearances as the Frenchman found the need to undergo his second abductor surgery of the season. Speaking to journalist Frank Lußem at Kölner training camp, he revealed that--despite his hip still acted up now and then--he remained firmly committed to continuing his career.
"I've invested a lot," Modeste noted, "I still have a two year contract and want to fulfill it. I maintain the will to give everything in training."
The striker's stated goals for the season were simple: "Get fit, be fit, stay fit." He expressed admiration for new head-coach Steffen Baumgart, praising his "intense style" and noting that he enjoyed the challenge of meeting it. Regarding the brief loan-spell, Modeste noted that "it was good to get some fresh air and get away for a bit."
A healthy Modeste could conceivably still contribute. The nagging abductor issues limited him to just eight Bundesliga appearances last year. He managed to score once in the Pokal. An eight-goal haul, albeit in an exhibition fixture, demonstrated that he still has the will to succeed.
Modest also divulged that he had undergone corrective oral surgery during the offseason. Proudly showcasing his gleaming new teeth, the striker seemed confident of a new beginning.