The 32-year-old Chilean succeeded Lars Bender as captain in the summer of 2020 and led the team onto the pitch last season. "I was proud to wear the armband," said Aránguiz. "But I noticed over the course of the season that I can help the team more if I completely focus on my performance on the pitch. That's why I made the post of captain available. Of course, I will continue in a leadership role and give my full support to Lukas."
Hradecky joined the Werkself from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2018 and has made 127 appearances for Bayer 04 so far. "Lukas is not only an outstanding goalkeeper but also a complete professional who has a very conscientious approach to his game," said Gerardo Seoane. "On top of that, he has a very positive presence, communicates well and is happy to accept responsibility."
The new captain is looking forward to the challenge. "The team has become very close to my heart in the past few years. And I really identify with the club," said the 31-year-old Finland international. "We have ambitious targets for next season. My teammates and I will give our all to achieve them."
Julian Baumgartlinger, Jonathan Tah and Charles Aránguiz are the vice-captains.
Werkself captains since 1996:
Jens Nowotny: 1996-2003
Carsten Ramelow: 2003-2008
Simon Rolfes: 2008-2015
Lars Bender: 2015-2020
Charles Aránguiz: 2020-2021
Lukas Hradecky: From 2021
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-0 win at RB Leipzig on matchday 10 of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreThe Trophy Tour in Brazil, full of events and activities, reached a successful conclusion on day three on Thursday, 14 November. The final day was also busy. The highlight: Three of the former Brazilian players for the Werkself, Paulo Sérgio, Zé Roberto and Henrique were guests at the premiere of the Bayer 04 documentary ‘A Dream Comes True’ screened at the Goethe-Institut in São Paulo.
Show moreBayer 04 and the Plastiks company are working together. The sustainable organisation is committed worldwide to the reuse of waste and acting against waste pollution. As part of this cooperation, Bayer 04 is working with the green mining organisation in São Paulo, the most populous city in South America and hometown to club legend Paulo Sergio, where the waste recycling rate is currently only around 3%.
Show moreAfter the warm reception on Tuesday for the Bayer 04 delegation led by Simon Rolfes in São Paulo, there were two events where contact with the local population was of special significance.
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