Hamdi Dahmani is one of the most prolific players in the history of Fortuna Cologne, but the 36-year-old also made an impression at Rot-Weiss Essen, Alemannia Aachen and Viktoria Cologne.
“Now the time has come… my time as an active player has ended earlier than expected and planned,” Hamdi Dahmani writes on Instagram. The 36-year-old took to the pitch for the very last time on Sunday and marked his farewell with a goal and an assist in Fortuna Cologne’s U23 team’s 3-0 away win against Bergisch Gladbach in the Mittelrheinliga.
For the striker, his career comes to an end where he has left by far the biggest footprint in his 17 years in the senior team. Dahmani appeared 332 times for the first team at Fortuna – only three players have more appearances to their name. The Cologne native also scored the second-most goals for the club after Karl-Heinz Mödrath (71).
“I’m proud to be one of the players with the most appearances for Fortuna and to have my own fan chant. It’s just crazy,” wrote Dahmani, who thanked the fans for it.
Fortuna Cologne: ”A special, family-like club”
The striker will especially remember “highlights such as the promotions, the league stays, the relegation matches and the derbies. ‘In between, there were also defeats, injuries, setbacks, a bitter relegation and the loss of a special person,’ explained Dahmani, referring to honorary president Klaus Ulonska, who passed away in 2015. “All of that brought the club together and made it what it is. A special, family-like club!”
But Dahmani not only celebrated successes at Fortuna. He also played 73 times for Alemannia Aachen, 23 times for Rot-Weiss Essen and 17 times for Viktoria Cologne. “At Viktoria, in Essen and in Aachen, I also experienced ups and downs and met many great people. I am particularly proud that I left a positive impression despite the short time and that I am a welcome guest there.”
Dahmani, who thanks everyone who has supported him, especially his family, will remain part of the Fortuna family even after his active career is over – as assistant coach to Markus von Ahlen in the regional league team.