Pascal Stenzel leaves Stuttgart | OneFootball

After seven years at VfB Stuttgart, Pascal Stenzel is leaving the club this summer.

The Swabians announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old’s expiring contract will not be extended.

“Pascal Stenzel came to VfB at a time when things were anything but rosy from a sporting perspective. From the 2. Bundesliga, with and thanks to ‘Calle’, we went all the way to the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal title," said VfB Stuttgart board member for sport Fabian Wohlgemuth. 

“Seven years at one club is anything but a given in today’s fast-moving professional football world. During this time, Pascal has always put himself at the service of the team and the club, as an extremely reliable player and an excellent ambassador for the club’s identity. Pascal has made an important contribution both on and off the pitch to VfB’s successful journey. We would like to thank Pascal warmly and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”

Stenzel, who made 139 appearances in a Stuttgart shirt, said:

“7 years in the Stuttgart shirt – not only special because of the long time, but above all because of all the unforgettable moments we experienced together. 

"Starting in the 2. Bundesliga: the promotion, the last-minute survival, the relegation play-off, the runners-up finish, the Champions League and the DFB-Pokal.

"We went through all of that together, and you repeatedly showed me that appreciation and loyalty often mean just as much to you as what happens on the pitch. That means an incredible amount to me.

I would have preferred to say goodbye to you in the shirt. All the more I want to say thank you now. Thank you to every single person who was part of my journey. You all make VfB so special – and I hope you keep exactly that, no matter what phases come."