Grillitsch leaves TSG

"Flo came to us from Werder Bremen on a free transfer at the age of 21 and quickly became an influential player in our team. He has been an important factor for us over the past few years with his strength in possession and his technically accomplished style of play. His name is also associated with some of TSG's greatest successes to date, such as participation in the Champions League and Europa League," Alexander Rosen said of the 26-year-old, adding: "We had made a conscious decision last summer to go into an expiring contract with him, although there was the possibility for a transfer. Unfortunately, he was rarely available to us in the second half of the season due to injury and illness. Flo is not only a great player, but also a really good guy, and I wish him all the best for his future, both professional and private.''

"It's hard for me to say goodbye. But at some point in a professional footballer's career, the time comes to try something new, to take on a new challenge. Nevertheless, I have experienced many wonderful moments with the club, the fans and the team here over the past few years and that's something I will never forget," says Grillitsch. "As a very young player, I found an excellent environment for my development at Hoffenheim and would make the same decision again every time. Of course, I will keep a close eye on TSG's progress and cheer on the club at every opportunity."

Grillitsch made his mark on TSG history. On 19 September 2018, the Austrian netted in the 6th minute of the game to give TSG a 1-0 lead away to Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk (2-2), thereby scoring TSG's first ever goal in the Champions League.

Grillitsch moved from his native Austria to Germany when he was still a youngster. In 2013, he joined the youth set-up of Werder Bremen, where he made his way up to the senior team via the U19s and the U23s. Since his move to TSG in the summer of 2017, the defensive midfielder has established himself as a Bundesliga player. In the summer of 2019, he signed a contract extension until 2022. In his home country, Grillitsch played for all youth national teams from U17 level onwards before winning his first cap for the senior team in March 2017.

During his time at TSG, the Austrian made 130 appearances in the Bundesliga (three goals), five in the DFB-Pokal (one goal), six in the Champions League (one goal) and 10 in the Europa League (three goals).

In addition to Grillitsch, defenders Howie Nordtveit and Chris Richards will also leave TSG. Both were absent from the stadium on Saturday due to their injuries and related medical treatments in their home countries, but were given a big round of applause by the fans and stadium announcer Mike Diehl.