After 173 missions for LASK, Gernot Trauner is leaving Linz for the Netherlands. The 29-year-old’s move to the Eredivisie at Feyenoord Rotterdam was confirmed by his previous club on Monday. The captain of the black and whites was a veteran of LASK and had attended all years of the Linz Football Academy since 2006.
“It was always clear to me that I would end my career at LASK. I made a lot of friends here, we were a great group and we represented LASK in the league as well as on the international stage, ”said Trauner. The decision to move to Rotterdam was really difficult for him. “For me this is probably the last opportunity as a footballer to see something different and experience a new country, a new league,” said Trauner, explaining his move to Feyenoord, where he will receive a contract until 2025.
Trauner made his debut for LASK Juniors in March 2010 and for LASK in autumn of the same year. In 2017, Trauner returned to LASK after an interlude in Ried and immediately established himself as the conductor of the black and white defensive. From 2018, Trauner led the black and whites as captain on the field. Thanks to its consistently strong performances, LASK ended the season in fourth place in the table and returned to the European Cup for the first time in 19 years.
“Has earned this chance”
“As captain, Gernot was a central component of our team, his departure is very painful, both athletically and personally. I can understand his wish to venture abroad after many years in Austria – he really deserved this opportunity with his achievements for LASK ”, said LASK head coach and sports director Dominik Thalhammer.
Sports coordinator Fabian Zöpfl took the same line: “Of course a player with his quality always arouses desires on the transfer market. We tried to convince Gernot to stay. We regret his decision, but we can also understand why he wants to do something abroad again. We are very grateful to Gernot for what he has done for LASK in recent years and wish him every success in his new role. We will always be happy to welcome him to Linz. “
