In today's world of football, it has become rare that player stays with one club throughout their entire career. Jennifer Zietz, however, is an example of a player sticking to her roots, at the club she has been since 1998 - Turbine Potsdam. The 31-year-old has had all kinds of experiences with the club she grew up with. She has become a true veteran at the club and is the longest serving player in Potsdam.
"I've spent more than half of my life with Potsdam and I've always right at home here," explains the 15-time Germany international. "There were many good times and only few moments where things didn’t go so well. But that's all part of being a professional. I grew from these experiences and am proud to have been with this club for so long and still be able to take part in its development."
Memories
The upcoming final against VfL Wolfsburg on Friday (17:15 CEST) is bound to stir up memories for Zietz. The last time these two teams met in a DFB Cup final was in 2012. Wolfsburg quickly took a three goal lead, before Turbine fought back and got within one goal to equalise. "There is still an record to be settled with Wolfsburg, as we've lost several important games against them recently. It's our turn now," said Zietz.
Turbine have won the prestigious competition on three occasions: 2004, 2005 and 2006 with Zietz playing the full 90 minutes in each of the finals. The 3-0 victory against 1. FFC Frankfurt twelve years ago is a pleasant memory for Zietz, as she bagged the second goal herself. "I still remember how excited we were ahead of the final in Berlin's Olympic stadium. As if we were little kids. The atmosphere in training on the day before the game was already extremely lively and the final was definitely one of my career highlights."
Zietz and Turbine have won all there is to win at club level: the Champions League, the UEFA Women's Cup, six German championships, six DFB Indoor Cups and three DFB Cups. This year a fourth DFB Cup title is to be added to the list. "It would be a dream come true if we are to manage it again," explains Zietz. "It would be a nice finish to a difficult season."
Life after football
Zietz has already started to plan her life after football when her career finally comes to an end. She recently completed a sports management course, but hasn't put an exact date to her last days as a football professional. "I love this sport and I've enjoyed all my years as being a professional. As long as I can help Turbine, I will continue playing. I don't have any intentions on joining a different club. I have my family and my friends here and these are very important aspects to me."
It wasn’t always certain that he would be able to continue her career though. In 2012 her knee had practically resigned her from the sport, after suffering damage to the cruciate ligament, meniscus and cartilage. Her right knee was a mess but she fought her way back to the team. Aqua-Jogging was a key to her recovery. She never lost doubt in her abilities and has since returned to her old level of fitness. Friday's final in Cologne is therefore also a kind of reward for her personally, as she looks to add yet another title to her long list of successes in the sport she cherishes so much.
