When the teams ran out onto the field to warm up, you could tell that this afternoon would be special for the two long-serving Foals. The fans at BORUSSIA-PARK sang as Tony Jantschke and Patrick Herrmann entered the pitch. The duo were preparing for their final Bundesliga home game.
A large flag with ‘7’ and the word ‘Herrmann’ written on it was unveiled behind the goal. A banner that read ‘Danke Tony für gelebte Vereinstreue und Loyalität’ (‘Thank you, Tony, for your loyalty to the club’) was also visible. Jantschke, who has been under contract at Borussia since 2006, and Herrmann, at the club since 2008, both came through the Gladbach academy and were stalwarts of the team for many years, achieving legendary status with their performances, loyalty and hard work. After the warm-up, Borussia’s presidential board and management team handed the two the shirts they wore on their respective Bundesliga debuts for the Foals.
“I’ll look back on a career full of passion, dedication and unforgettable moments. Whether on the pitch or on the bench, it was always an honour for me to wear the badge and hold the club in my heart,” said Herrmann when he first announced his retirement. The 33-year-old, who had played 418 competitive games for Borussia before today (56 goals, 65 assists) will now be part of the club’s sponsoring department.
Jantschke, who had played 301 competitive games for Borussia prior to this match (five goals, seven assists), will also remain with the club in the future. He will be part of the coaching staff watching over the young talent in the first-team squad and youth academy. This job will allow him to pass on his experience and mentality to the next generation of players. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved with Borussia Mönchengladbach, as the club has given me the opportunity to achieve more than I ever could have dreamed of, as well as the chance to build on this success after my retirement, said Jantschke.
