Voronin on verge of Köln switch
Monday, April 14, 2003
Article summary
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin is to join 1. FC Köln, provided they win promotion to the Bundesliga.
Article body
Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin is to join 1. FC Köln on a two-year contract, provided they win promotion to the Bundesliga.
Free transfer
The 23-year-old is currently with second division rivals 1. FSV Mainz 05 and sees the chance to join leaders Köln as a major step forward. The club have a six-point advantage on Mainz, their nearest rivals, with a game in hand. No fee will be paid as Voronin is available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
European ambition
According to Voronin, it was a difficult decision to leave Mainz, where he has scored 18 goals in 27 matches during this campaign, but "Koln is a very good club, with good future ahead of it". He added that he hoped his new club would be able to compete for a place in Europe upon returning to the top flight.
International class
Voronin, who has scored two goals in eight appearances for Ukraine, said: "I would not join a club without ambition. I have met head coach Friedhelm Funkel and realised that he thinks of me as of a potential leader of the side and he is counting on my goals. This is the most important for me."
