Sebastian Rudy returns to TSG Hoffenheim

"There's not much you need to say much about Sebastian's qualities. In the 200+ appearances that he made for TSG, he made a real impact and showed what an extraordinary footballer he is. This combination of outstanding technique, tactical understanding and a wonderful footballing brain saw him develop into a full international while he was at TSG," said Alexander Rosen, the TSG Hoffenheim director of football, who is convinced that Rudy is capable of writing another successful chapter in Hoffenheim following his return to the club. "He is familiar with the club and our style of play is a good fit for him and the way he likes to play football," said Rosen. For the 40-year-old, another clear sign of the ambition Rudy harbours ahead of his return to his former stomping ground is his "willingness to make compromises, without which the transfer wouldn't have been possible".

"Last season did not go optimally for me, which makes me all the more motivated to return to my former strength here at my former club. To that end, the conditions here at TSG are almost perfect – I know the people at TSG and the conditions at the club, and I know that me and my way of playing football are valued here. I'm looking forward to working together with Alfred and his coaching staff, and so far I've only heard good things from my former colleagues," said Sebastian Rudy, who will wear the number 16 shirt in the upcoming campaign.

Sebastian Rudy previously played for TSG Hoffenheim between 2010 and 2017. During that time, the midfielder notched 12 goals and 35 assists as he matured into a senior international. He has since made 27 appearances for his country, scoring one goal, having earlier made 23 appearances for the U21s, scoring five goals. He left TSG in 2017 to join German record champions Bayern Munich. He then moved to domestic rivals FC Schalke 04, where he still has a contract that runs until 30 June 2022, the following summer.