Florian Hofmann says he intends to continue playing for another two or three years and would consider moving overseas, including a switch to Major League Soccer, according to Kicker.
The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder featured for more than 30 minutes in Friday’s 6-0 friendly win against third-division side Fortuna Koln. Martin Terrier scored twice, while Nathan Tella marked his return from a weeks-long absence with a goal.
Hofmann had specifically asked to play in the match after becoming a father for the second time on the Wednesday of the same week. He and his partner welcomed another son, prompting him to joke: “I’m building a football team.”
The 2024 double-winner said the coach had left the decision over whether he would play in his hands, but he wanted to remain active.
“I wanted to get out and play,” said Hofmann, who was given the opportunity to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab during the summer but chose to stay with Bayer Leverkusen.
Asked whether family circumstances had affected that decision, he replied: “It wasn’t really about personal matters; ultimately, things just didn’t work out across the board.”
Hofmann, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen runs until 2027, is currently used mainly as a substitute. However, he said he was comfortable with the competition for places within the squad.
“The competition is very strong, there are many quality players. But I’m relaxed; I know what to expect here,” he said.
He added that he continues to train with the same intensity and retains the determination he had 15 years ago, although he said he had not yet received the corresponding rewards.
Hofmann also supplied the corner from which Patrik Schick scored Bayer Leverkusen’s final goal against Fortuna Koln. His appearance reinforced his belief that he still has several seasons ahead of him, despite acknowledging that his time at the club may be nearing its conclusion.
“I’m not at the end of my career yet. My time at Bayer Leverkusen might be nearing an end, but I will definitely continue playing,” he said.
The midfielder repeated that he would like to play for another two or three years and is prepared to move abroad for a different experience.
“I don’t know if anyone in Germany would still be interested in a 35-year-old player…” he said.
Major League Soccer is one possibility under consideration. “A move across the Atlantic is also possible. I just want to do something completely different. Maybe one day you want to leave, want to see new things, want an adventure,” Hofmann said.
His chapter at Bayer Leverkusen is set to conclude in nine months.
