Halil Altintop to leave Augsburg

After four years at FCA, midfielder Halil Altintop will not be extending his contract which runs out on 30th June. "I've had a wonderful time at FCA over the last four years. We've achieved a lot on the pitch and experienced some great times with our unbelievable fans. I've also got to know lots of great people here and, therefore, I'm extremely grateful for the last four years," said Altintop looking back. "However, now I see it as the right time to take the next step and leave FCA. I would like a fresh challenge and want to create space for the young players coming through at FCA. The future looks bright for Augsburg."

I would like a fresh challenge and want to create space for the young players coming through at FCA. The future looks bright for Augsburg." - Halil Altintop  

"We regret Halil's decision a lot because he has been a key figure for us over the last few years. He always gave 100% to the team both on and off the pitch," said Stefan Reuter, FCA's sporting director. "We would've like to have seen Halil wearing the Augsburg shirt next season, but we respect his decision. This now means that other players must assume Halil's role as a leading figure in our team." Halil Altintop, who was born in Gelsenkirchen, transferred to Augsburg in the summer of 2013 from Trabzonspor in Turkey. He played 128 games for FCA. 115 of those came in the Bundesliga, five in the Europa League and eight in the DFB Pokal. He scored a total of 22 goals including Augsburg first ever goal in Europe which gave FCA a 1-0 lead against Bilbao. "We wish Halil Altintop all the best for his sporting and personal future. Halil will always be welcome at FCA," said Stefan Reuter who thanked the 34-year-old for his services to Augsburg.