Farewell to Zanka - a true Copenhagen legend
F.C. Copenhagen bids farewell to a truly special player as Mathias Zanka Jørgensen will say goodbye in the white shirt during the final match of the season against Randers FC on Sunday.
After 315 first-team appearances, five Danish league titles and five Danish Cup trophies, a true Copenhagen legend will say farewell to Parken this weekend.
F.C. Copenhagen head coach Bo Svensson has had the pleasure of working with Mathias Zanka Jørgensen during the spring season, and although the period has been short, the impression he has made is unmistakable.
“In the short time I’ve worked with Zanka, he has left a highly professional impression. He is a player with a very strong character and, not least, a willingness to help his teammates continuously improve. Myself, the coaching staff and the squad have always been able to rely on him, and he deserves great thanks for that,” says the head coach.
“We have decided to look towards the future, which means we will begin the new season with other players in defence. But that does not change the fact that I have the utmost respect for Zanka and his contribution to F.C. Copenhagen over many years – also during my short time here."
F.C. Copenhagen’s technical director, Nils Koppen, adds: “With Mathias’ departure in mind, we are naturally focusing on adding a new central defender who can also help establish a new and strong foundation in our defence.”
F.C. Copenhagen CEO Jacob Lauesen also highlights the major impact Zanka has had on the club’s identity over the years.
“Zanka has helped define what it means to be an F.C. Copenhagen player," he says. "He is an uncompromising winner with many titles to his name, and he sets high standards for himself and those around him. He has a truly unique personality – chest out and with great belief in his own abilities.
“He says what he thinks, leads from the front and elevates everyone around him. He contributes to the unity within a squad and always wants to create great experiences for the entire club. We have all benefited from that for many years, and he deserves a very special thank you from the club."
Everyone at F.C. Copenhagen wishes Mathias Zanka Jørgensen all the very best for the future, and the club will give him a fitting farewell at Parken on Sunday against Randers FC.
Read here from Mathias Zanka Jørgensen himself.