In the Copa TS podcast (via kicker), Robin Gosens has opened up on his late departure from Union Berlin in the summer, which blindsided the club.
Hours before Union were meant to play St.Pauli in the Bundesliga it was revealed that Gosens was to leave the club and return to Italy. The 30-year-old was also set to be a part of the starting 11 in their first home game of the season.
On the situation surrounding his departure, Gosens described it:
“It was an absurd situation and incredibly uncomfortable for me. I knew exactly what problems it would cause for the team. I felt guilty because it might look like I was only thinking about myself. I didn’t want to let the team down, but on a rational level I knew it was the right step for me and my family.”
The wing-back then added:
“On the morning of August 30, I went to the stadium knowing that I was supposed to play against St. Pauli that evening. I wasn’t even thinking about a transfer. Ten days earlier, Florence had made an offer that was uninteresting. I was ready to stay at Union.”
Gosens has moved back to Italy, initially on loan but with an obligation to buy worth €7.5m, this is a loss on the €13m that Union paid for the wing-back last summer. However, Gosens seems to be happy that he has returned to Italy:
“Paradoxically, my family and I did not feel comfortable in Germany, even though I am German. Berlin was never a home for us, like Italy was. That’s why the desire to return here was very great. The desire to return and come to Florence was very great.”
The 30-year-old has spent the majority of his career in Italy spending four and a half years with Atalanta and a year and a half with Inter Milan. The beginning of Gosens’ career was also spent in the Netherlands as he was born very close to the Dutch border. In his return to Serie A, Gosens scored on his debut to rescue a point for Fiorentina as they drew 2-2 with Monza.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
