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Who returns to the Jecken Fest? Anthony Modeste. Six days after the start of the carnival season, 1. FC Köln has announced the commitment of the French striker. Modeste, who moved from Cologne to the Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian in 2017 for a total of 35 million euros, signed a contract with the FC until 2023. President Werner Spinner announced the commitment at the gala 70th anniversary of the club.
Most recently, Modeste had kept fit in the Cologne U21, after he had succumbed because of outstanding salary payments with his Chinese employer. His last game for Tianjin Quanjian was played by Modeste in early August. Modeste is now available to the professional team, according to a statement on the website of the FC.
Very happy to be back with the club I call home
See #effzeh ⚪️ # AM27 pic.twitter.com/rNretWWJyU
"We have been in regular contact with Tony over the past few weeks," Cologne's CEO Armin Veh is quoted as saying. "When we realized that there was a chance to solve his contract situation and to commit him to reasonable terms, we have done everything possible to achieve this."
Modeste already played from 2015 to two years for the Cologne. During this time he scored 45 goals in 73 games for the FC. In the 2016/17 season alone, he scored 25 goals - and was instrumental in helping 1. FC Köln qualify for the Europa League.
Cologne is currently in Bundesliga relegation in the 2nd Bundesliga on the second place, but has only one point ahead of the direct pursuers Union Berlin and FC St. Pauli.