New city, new club, new stimulation

Jan Rosenthal, first arrived in Hannover at the tender age of 13. Now he is 24. For a player to remain at the same club for more than 10 years is, nowadays, an exceptional accomplishment. “Rosi” had a lot of reasons for staying at 96 for so long. At the same time there are reasons for him wanting to try something new. “I know every restaurant in Hannover, every street corner and I’ve collected so many phone numbers that I’ve completely lost track of them all. This is due to the environment I have created around myself and you can’t really sort that out. “Rosis” main reason for the move to Freiburg: To see another city when he looks out the window in the morning – he is also looking for new visual stimulation.

Dream start to his career

There was once a time when the name Jan Rosenthal was on the wish lists of several clubs. In the 2006/07 season as the new young talent emerged out of the 96 reserves making 29 Bundesliga appearances and scoring 6 goals in the process as he impressed with his speed, athleticism and technical ability.

It was a promising start to his career, but he was unable to recreate that sort of form again as he was continuously knocked back by injuries. He spent more time seeing the physiotherapist than he did in the team huddles and his name gradually slipped of the wish lists of the interested parties.

A year ago, Jan said he was just recovering and that it was difficult for him to be training by himself. “At times like this it’s important not to become obsessed with football, but to take time off and think about other aspects of life instead.

"Rosi". Focus is on the football

Lessons learnt from injuries

“Rosi” was unable to get himself back to full fitness this season and had to spend a disappointing season sitting on the sidelines. He believed it was a combination of “body, mind and soul experiencing an emotional overload” that held him back. Additionally, with Hannover have such an unprecedented poor season Rosenthal conceded that it had, at times been impossible – “to think about anything other than Hannover 96”, explained Jan who finished by saying: “I’ve learnt from everything that’s happened.”

So with his lessons learnt it is onwards to Freiburg for “Rosi”. He is hoping “just to be able to play football”. It is good for him that he has a blank canvas to work with and will not let the label of “injury prone” follow him to his new club. Playing football – that’s all “Rosi” wants to do in this next phase of his life.

"96 is still special "

To close we asked “Rosi” what it would be like when he enters the AWD-Arena for the first time wearing a Freiburg shirt:

“Earlier I didn’t quite get the Reds anthem. Now, however, especially after such an intense season, that has all changed. This club will always have a special place in my heart.”

We wish “Rosi” all the best of luck in his future endeavours and we thank him for the years of loyal service he gave to this club.