Fan Zhendong is set to join Borussia Düsseldorf next season
Fan Zhendong is leaving top TTBL side 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT and moving within the league to record champions Borussia Düsseldorf. According to Zhendong himself, table tennis legend and Dyn expert Timo Boll was one of the main reasons behind the decision.
He quickly sparked a veritable table tennis boom, attracted countless new TTBL fans from China and demonstrated his exceptional class: Fan Zhendong will remain in the league next year – albeit no longer in Saarbrücken’s blue and black, but in Düsseldorf’s red, as the club announced in a press release.
“Grateful for the year together”: 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT comments on Fan Zhendong’s departure
“We had very open and trusting discussions. It was clear to us from the outset that this chapter was intended to last one year. We are all the more grateful that we were able to experience this year together, and still are. Zhendong has also clearly assured us that his decision has nothing to do with him not feeling at home in Saarbrücken – quite the opposite. He simply wants to see more and gain new experiences on his journey through Europe,” says FCS team manager Nicolas Barrois.
Borussia Düsseldorf is looking forward to new signing Fan Zhendong – “This is where the heart of table tennis beats”
In Düsseldorf, everyone is already extremely excited about the new superstar joining the squad. “Fan is exactly the player we wanted and a real boost and asset to our team and our entire club,” explains manager Andreas Preuß. “He is a global star and an outstanding sports personality. It is an honour for us that he, as an Olympic champion, will be playing for Borussia Düsseldorf.” And Zhendong’s close friend Timo Boll can hardly wait for him to take to the table in the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia. “Fan Zhendong is keen to come to Germany and the Bundesliga, where his popularity will attract worldwide attention. His move to Düsseldorf is a logical step. Because this is where the heart of table tennis beats,” he says.
“Close relationship with Timo Boll”: Fan Zhendong on the reasons for his move to Düsseldorf
And how is Fan Zhendong himself reacting to his move? “I would like to express my sincere thanks to 1. FC Saarbrücken Tischtennis for this incredible opportunity. It has been a truly special chapter in my career. At this stage of my career, however, I feel ready to take the next step. Borussia Düsseldorf is one of the strongest forces in European and world table tennis, and my close relationship with Timo Boll has further inspired me to take on a new challenge,” said the exceptional player.
Source: Dyn press release
Featured image (from left to right): Timo Boll, Fan Zhendong, Andreas Preuß (Photo: Borussia Düsseldorf)