The Leipzig midfielder had already lost his brother and decided to change his life by giving up the money

A difficult decision, behind which lies a dramatic story. Kevin Kampl will leave Leipzig in January by terminating his contract. A series of tragic events that have marked his life are prompting him to return to his home in Solingen (in Westphalia) to prioritize his family.

In October, his brother Seki passed away suddenly. The tragedy led him to decide to hang up his cleats, at least for the time being. After eight and a half years, his time with Leipzig will come to an end at the end of the month: “My brother’s sudden passing opened my eyes,” Kampl explained. We don’t have much time, which is why it’s important to spend it with our loved ones. I want to be at home, also because my father isn’t doing very well, so I want to spend as much time as possible with him. Unfortunately, no one can give us back the time we waste.”

The tragedy—  During the October international break, Kampl had gone on vacation to Mallorca with his brother. “We were talking about what we’d do once I stopped playing,” he recalls. A few days later, however, Seki passed away. That’s what really shook him. His contract with Leipzig was set to expire in June, but he’ll terminate it on January 31. On the 17th, he’ll be honored in a farewell match at home against Bayern. “I don’t know if I’ll return to play soccer elsewhere—even in lower divisions—but right now I think that’s unrealistic.” To become a free agent, Kampl is giving up just over one million euros.  Time, however, is priceless.