Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 10y

Kramer sorry for 'trafficking' remark

 

Borussia Monchengladbach defender Christoph Kramer has apologised for recent comments he made comparing football's transfer market to "human trafficking."

Kramer, 23, made the comments in an interview with Der Spiegel earlier this week when he was asked where his next move from parent club Bayer Leverkusen might take him.

"In general, being involved in the football business is often like modern human trafficking," he said. "But for me, a contract can say whatever it wants. If I don't want to play somewhere next season, I won't play there. In the end, I will still decide where I play."

The Germany international, who was part of his country's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, drew some criticism for his statement, especially from Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller, who told Bild: "It would do him good if he'd concentrate on his games for Borussia now.

"I know from personal talks what he thinks, and how he perceives the situation. And it sounds a bit different than his public statements." 

And Kramer -- heading into his second successive season on loan with Monchengladbach -- has now apologised for his remarks.

"Whoever knows me, knows that I wasn't meant that way," he said in quotes reported by Bild. "Professional football has nothing to do with human trafficking. I am very grateful for this life."

However, in an interview with football mag 11 Freunde, Kramer reiterated his general criticism. "I see myself as a decision maker. I need to enjoy playing football, should that not be the case it doesn't help. Nobody can force me to make a certain step," he said.

Kramer is under contract at Leverkusen, a side he has not played for in three years and never on the Bundesliga stage, until 2017.

Following the 2014 World Cup, other clubs have voiced their interest in the holding midfielder, and, as of now, his future beyond the summer of 2015 is still unclear. Kramer has been linked with Napoli but has spoken about staying with Monchengladbach, while Leverkusen have made it clear that they want him back.

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