Alexander Hack moves to Al-Qadsiah FC

Alexander Hack has joined Al-Qadsiah FC with immediate effect. The 29-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year contract with the second-division Saudi side, coached by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler. Hack, who initially arrived to play for FSV’s U23s in 2014 from Unterhaching, made his Bundesliga debut under Martin Schmidt in November 2015. He went on to play 143 competitive games in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal. Hack became a fan favourite during his nine years with the club.

“There is obviously a close connection between a player and a club after nine years together, especially with somebody like Alexander Hack, who is a fantastic guy and a real team player, somebody that always put the team first. Hacki told us that he would like to leave the club and we didn’t want to put any obstacles in his way. Hacki is a true Mainzer and our door will always be open for him. We wish him all the best,” said board member for sport Christian Heidel.

"I love the city, the club, the staff and, of course, the fans.”

Alexander Hack: "The decision to leave the club was not an easy one for me. Moving to Saudi Arabia does not just mean going to a different country, but also the experience of a different culture. I spoke a number of times to the club and Robbie Fowler, and I’m now excited to see for myself what it’s like there. I’m looking forward to a new challenge, but my departure from Mainz is still really emotional for me – I love the city, the club, the staff and, of course, the fans. I always felt like a Mainzer and that will remain the same in the future too. Perhaps our paths will cross once again in the future – the connection between Mainz 05 and myself will definitely not be broken.”