The era of the Football God continues: Steffen Hofmann pens new deal
On the last match day of the season against SKN St. Pölten, Rapid legend Steffen Hofmann was welcomed to the pitch to be honoured in a fitting and worthy tribute. The milestone that was on this occasion recognised was his equalling of fellow Green & White hero Peter Schöttel's 527 competitive appearances for the club. However, plenty more games lie in wait for the mercurial forward: on Tuesday it was announced that the club had agreed a one-year contract extension with Steffen Hofmann, meaning his love affair with the club will continue until summer 2018/19!
In addition, the 36-year old, who has just participated in his fifteenth season in Hütteldorf, will take the first steps towards a new career for when the time comes that he decides to hang up his boots: parallel to continuing as a player, Steffen will take on a new role supporting the SK Rapid youth set up as Talent Manager. Here Steffen will help young players on their journey to professional football. Hofmann will take up the role on a full-time basis when he calls time on his playing career, thus seamlessly transitioning into the second phase of time with SK Rapid.
Captain Steffen Hofmann on his decision to extend his playing career for a further year: "Of course you take the time to really think hard about your future after reaching a certain age as a player. But although the season was extremely challenging for all of us, I realised that I still enjoyed having the opportunity of running onto the field and representing Rapid. Clearly in the coming season I won't be completing 90 minutes week in week out, but I'm simply delighted that everything is sorted and I’ll continue to play - and that with immediate effect and with full commitment I can perform the role of Talent Manager for the club I love."
Sporting Director Fredy Bickel: "That Steffen Hofmann has decided to remain on the playing staff for a further year has delighted us all. For the young players in the first team and for the youngsters in the academy he’ll start working with in the future, he’s going to be an integral, leading personality and as a club icon he’s the perfect person to perform such an important role."
(gw)