Aogo ahead of clash between former clubs: "HSV is my number one" | OneFootball

On Saturday, HSV will face SC Freiburg. Dennis Aogo once played for both clubs and spent particularly successful years in Hamburg.

Between 2008 and 2013, he was active at Volkspark, during which time he reached the European Cup semi-finals twice and became a German national player. "It was a huge step to come to a cosmopolitan city like Hamburg and to a big club like HSV. My father was always enthusiastic about the club," said the defensive player from Freiburg to the HSV club channels.

Aogo quickly established himself as a regular player in a high-caliber squad that included outstanding players and seasoned professionals like Mladen Petric, Ivica Olic, David Jarolim, Frank Rost, and Jerome Boateng, ultimately playing 168 official matches for HSV. "My time in Hamburg was very moving: I matured from a 'little boy' to an adult and we were successful in sports," the 38-year-old reflected.

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Aogo played with HSV in the European Cup

Especially in his early years, the Hanseatics were a solid part of the Bundesliga top and always played a good role internationally. However, since April 29, 2010, HSV has not played a European Cup match. Back then, HSV lost to FC Fulham 1-2 despite leading at halftime and missed the chance to reach the Europa League final, which was held at the Volksparkstadion.

Subsequently, things went increasingly downhill. Aogo, who is now working as a player agent, eventually had to leave after clashing with coach Thorsten Fink following a botched start to the season. He moved to FC Schalke 04. Nevertheless, HSV is "emotionally number one." But the SC Freiburg – his first professional station – also holds positive memories for the left-footer: "An important phase in my life because I was shaped as a person there."

On Saturday, both clubs will meet in the Bundesliga for the first time since April 21, 2018. Aogo will follow the match with "the diamond in his heart" and made it clear: "That will not change in my life."

Photo: Getty Images

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