In what has been a terrible week for Hannover 96 fans, things got worse on Tuesday.

After their expected relegation was confirmed with Eintracht Frankfurt's win against 1. FSV Mainz 05, goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler announced he would be leaving the club.

Zieler, who has a well-documented clause in his contract in the case of relegation, will now depart on a cut-price deal.

While this is a massive blow to the Lower Saxony side, Europe's top clubs will now be flocking to tie down the shot-stopper.

No shortage of interested parties

The 27-year-old has been with Hannover since 2010 and has enjoyed the role as first-choice goalkeeper since the 2011-12 season.

He is yet to miss a game since then, and has only got more impressive as time has gone on.

His fantastic reflexes and shot-stopping abilities are up with the best in the Bundesliga, and makes him a target for teams around the continent.

Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig have emerged as the leaders in the race to sign the 'keeper within Germany, although much of that would depend on Bernd Leno.

Manchester City are also rumoured to be interested in his services. With Pep Guardiola well aware of his abilities, it is a move that would make sense.

Zieler has been a shining light for Hannover this season. | Image source: kicker
Zieler has been a shining light for Hannover this season. | Image source: kicker

Zieler makes the announcement

The World Cup winner announced the news on his Facebook page, stating: "I'm not going to pretend or beat around the bush. I'm just going to be honest."

He added, "As much as Hannover have come to mean to me, I'm very ambitious. And my goal is to play top-flight football next season."

Zieler concluded, "There are offers, but a decision hasn't yet been made."

Should he be part of Joachim Löw's European Championship squad, it may be a case of waiting until July before his future is clear.

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About the author
Jonathan Walsh
SoccerSight IFA commentator. VAVEL deputy editor-in-chief/VAVEL Bundesliga editor-in-chief and writer. Email: [email protected]