Gideon Jung explains decision to stay with relegated Hamburg

Hamburg ace Gideon Jung says he hopes to continue with the German side despite the clubs relegation to the second division.

The first time in their history, The Red Shorts are going to have to make do with Bundesliga 2 football after finishing 17th on the first tier table last term.

Jung, 23, ended the troubled season as one of the club's best performers, and has, thus, attracted interests from clubs, who want to offer him a chance to remain in the topflight.

"I just like HSV [Hamburg] a lot, but it's not just about that," Jung told German news portal Mopo.

"I know that I can develop myself as a player, and personally, I would like to take these steps in Hamburg.

"I want to get involved and help bring the club back to where it belongs.

"Of course, I've been thinking about how to move on. That's perfectly normal. After all, it's about my future.

"It would not be wise to make such a decision without thinking about what is best for you. The fact that I have long-term ties to HSV has been a clear [indication of] commitment."

Jung joined Hamburg from Regionalliga side Rot-Weiss Oberhausen in 2014. Last November, he signed a contract extension which keeps him at Volksparkstadion until 2022.

"In any case, a lot happened during that time, which I honestly never expected," the utility man, who can play in defence or midfield, added.

"I became Bundesliga player and European champion with the German U-21 national team. But still I do not see it that way for me that I've just been on the rise in Hamburg.

"There were dents that could come again and again, and from which one has to learn his lessons."

Born to Ghanaian parents in Dusseldorf, the defender has been contacted by the Ghana Football Association for a switch of international allegiance after playing for the country of his birth at youth level.