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

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

In October, his brother Seki suddenly passed away. The tragedy prompted him to decide to hang up his boots, at least for the time being. After eight and a half years, his relationship with Leipzig will end at the end of the month: “The sudden death of my brother opened my eyes,” Kampl explained. We don’t have much time, so it’s important to spend it with our loved ones. I want to be at home, also because my father is not in the best of health, so I want to spend as much time with him as possible. Unfortunately, no one can give us back the time we waste.”

The tragedy—  During the international break in October, Kampl went on vacation to Mallorca with his brother. “We talked about what we would do when I stopped playing,” he recalls. A few days later, however, Seki passed away. This devastated him. His contract with Leipzig was due to expire in June, but he will terminate it on January 31. On the 17th, he will receive a farewell in the home game against Bayern. “I don’t know if I’ll return to play soccer elsewhere, even in lower leagues, but at the moment I think it’s unrealistic.” To release himself from his contract, Kampl is giving up just over a million euros. But time is priceless.