Jannes Horn is the first signing for 1. FC Köln this summer. He arrives from VfL Wolfsburg, where a certain ex-Cologne player has already given him some insight…

Jannes, welcome to FC!

“Thanks, I am very happy that I can call this my home starting on July 1st.”

You are leaving your home for the first time. We have heard that you continued to live in Braunschweig even after you became a Wolfsburg player.

“That is true. I was eleven when I transferred to Wolfsburg. In the early years my parents would drive me, but later on I used the transportation services of the club. I only lived about a 30 minute drive away from Wolfsburg.”

You started out at VfL Rot-Weiss Braunschweig and not the more famous Eintracht Braunschweig.

“It was never a topic of concern because we always had a good team at Rot-Weiss. We usually won when we played against Eintracht. Why would I transfer to them? In the summer of 2008 I took part in a summer training camp with VfL Wolfsburg. After that is when I decided to join them.”

You have continually made positive strides in your career. You have represented your nation since the U16 level and in the most recent season you made your debut as a professional.

“I do not think that you will forget your first few matches as a pro. Although it was a very difficult season with the club, I am quite content with my personal development. It was a difficult season, but I was able to get some playing time from all three head coaches. It was not always easy because each coach had his own ideas. We could have spared ourselves from the relegation matches, but in the end it was alright.”

The relegation matches must have been unique to you since your older brother is a physical therapist at Eintracht Braunschweig.

“Of course, that was one of the major themes within my family.”

Now you have a few more days off before training begins on the 3rd of July. What do you know about Cologne already and what are you most looking forward to?

“Honestly, Yannick Gerhardt has told me a lot about FC already and has really made me feel what it is about. I already know that the atmosphere in the stadium is something else. Even though I did not step onto the pitch, just being there I was able to take it in. I have also heard some good things from Salih Özcan and also Leo Bittencourt, who is a good friend of Gerhardt.”

What are your goals at FC and what can you bring to the table?

“I want to gain experience, play as much as possible, and take on these challenges in a positive manner. I have heard from many different sources that FC has a unique team spirit. I fully want to become a part of that. I like to enjoy myself too, but within the realm of a professional. On the pitch I would say that I am a fighter. I hope that I can prove that as much as possible, both in the league and in European football. I am just excited about everything.”