Slawomir Peszko completed his move to Lechia Gdansk last night at the eleventh hour, leaving Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln.
Peszko, 30, had one year remaining on his contract at Köln, but opted to move back to his home country in a bid for more playing time, signing a three-year contract with the Polish First Division club.
“Slawomir Peszko came to us about going to Gdansk to take on the next challenge in his professional career,” Köln’s sporting director, Jörg Schmadtke told the club’s website. “It was a wish that we decided to grant after constructive talks with all involved parties.”
"I wish FC nothing but the best.”
Slawomir Peszko
The Polish international joined Köln in 2011 from Lech Poznan and has since gone on to make 85 Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga appearances for the club, scoring six goals which included the equaliser against VfL Wolfsburg on the final day of the 2014/15 season.
Peszko also spent time in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers, spending the 2012/13 season on loan.
Peszko told the club’s media that 1. FC Köln is a club that “really grew on me,” and that he holds the Bundesliga club “close to his heart.”
The 30-year-old said it was a “difficult decision” but felt he had to leave the year before the European Championships in France, as it is “important for me to play in as many matches as possible.”
The wide-man had the deepest respect for fans and staff at 1. FC Köln, telling the club’s website: “I want to send my deepest gratitude to the extraordinary fans of Köln, as well as all of my teammates, the training staff, and the employees of the club.”
Upon his arrival in Gdansk, Peszko said: “If someone really wants you, you should definitely take advantage of it.”
Peszko has featured 32 times for the Polish national team, scoring two goals.