A personal tribute
Vinicius, Jacek Krzynowek, Hanno Balitsch and Arnold Bruggink stood for one final time on the turf of the AWD-Arena before kick-off in the friendly encounter against FC Valencia There was a nostalgic feeling in the air as warm applause for the departing foursome rippled around the stadium. Martin Kind presented each with a personal gift – a watch; a beautiful symbol that, on the one hand can represent a new chapter for them, and on the other as a reminder of their time in Hannover.

Unforgettable scenes
Arnold Bruggink played for four years – from 2006 – 2010 – with the Reds and clocked up 111 games, scoring 20 goals. Of all his time with Hannover, his most important act was in the last game of last season. He scored the first goal against Bochum in the season finale on 8. May, then set up the second goal to guarantee Hannover safety from relegation that had, at several occasions, looked very probable.

Hanno Balitsch arrived a year before Arnold. He played a total of 150 games in the Red shirt of Hannover and scored 12 goals His last goal was arguably his most important: a powerful effort against Schalke 04 put the team on the path to victory and made survival all the more likely.

Vincius joined in 2003, and played 144 games. In his time with Hannover 96 he scored nine goals, the most memorable being a fantastic 32-metre free kick in 2003 against Bayern Munich, leaving goalkeeper Oliver Kahn with no chance.

Jacek Krzynowek arrived in the state capital in February 2009 from VfL Wolfsburg. Unfortunately he was limited to just 25 appearances for Hannover 96, with injuries taking their toll on his body, causing him to miss more games than he would have liked. Of the two goals that he scored, fans will always remember his fantastic direct freekick in the game against VfB Stuttgart.

Physiotherapist Markus Witkop also bode farewell to the club; he has been in charge of the first time players since 2007.

Jan Rosenthal unable to take part
Jan Rosenthal was unable to take part in the event due to his commitments to his new club, SC Freiburg. Jan joined Hannover 96 in the year 2000 and made his way through the youth ranks before joining the first team in 2005. In 80 Bundesliga outings he scored 11 goals.

Yet it wasn’t just scoring goals that he was good at: During an away match at VfL Wolfsburg, 96 had used up their substitutions when goalkeeper Florian Fromlowitz fouled a home player inside the penalty area, gave away a penalty and was awarded a red card. No problem for Hannover, as “Rosi” grabbed the gloves, took to his new position between the posts and expertly parried an Edin Dzeko penalty.

Wherever the wind may take them
While Vinicius, Jacek Krzynowek and Arnold Bruggink are yet to find a club, Jan Rosenthal has already made his move to SC Freiburg. Balitsch will be plying his trade with Bayer Leverkusen this coming season and will meet his old teammates on match day 3, as Hannover host Leverkusen.

Jiri Stajner will receive a testimonial game on 9. October, with the supporters having their chance to say a final “farewell” to him.

- Daniel Moore