Eternal Oscar

Oscar Wendt is returning home to Sweden, leaving the Foals after ten years of service. The Swede helped shape the club with his cool Scandinavian style during his decade in Mönchengladbach.

“Thank you for such an unbelievably cool time at Borussia and thank you for your endless support,” said Oscar Wendt in his message to the fans after the season finale in Bremen. It was his 305th and final competitive match for Borussia, making the Swede not only our top foreign appearance maker, but one of the top 20 all-time regardless of nationality. He has surpassed legends like Stefan Effenberg, Herbert Laumen and Jörg Neun in the charts to leave his name in the history books. It's a fact recognised by those on the terraces who sing: “The man they call a legend: Oscar, Oscar Wendt."

The Swede has represented Borussia on the playing field for an entire decade. He arrived in Mönchengladbach in 2011/12 after three and a half years in Gothenburg and another five at FC Copenhagen. At first, the then-25-year-old had to bide his time as there was no dislodging regular starter Filip Daems at left-back. His patience was rewarded, however: in his second season at the club, Wendt was in the line-up for 21 Bundesliga matches. He went on to remain with the club for another eight years, establishing himself as the team’s first-choice left-back and as a constant presence in the changing rooms with his dry wit. The lover of espressos and burgers was also renowned for his knowledge of television and music and often served as the dressing room DJ.

24,119 competitive minutes

Wendt scored 19 goals in a Gladbach shirt, assisting 21 more – not a bad tally for a left-back. On top of that, the Swede’s goals were usually a guarantee of victory; only once did Borussia fail to win when Wendt was on the scoresheet. One such triumph came on 11th April 2015, when Wendt opened the scoring early on to pave the way for a 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. It was a crucial match en route to our first ever qualification for the Champions League, a competition that the Foals reached three times during Wendt's ten-year spell. There were also three seasons of Europa League football in that time, and Gladbach never finished outside of the top half with “eternal Oscar” in the squad.

Wendt’s time here is now at an end after 24,119 competitive minutes for the team. Last Saturday in Bremen, the number 17 notched 17 more minutes of action, taking the captain's armband from Lars Stindl in his final ever appearance for the Foals. The 35-year-old will now return to his hometown club IFK Göteborg, although a piece of his heart will remain with Borussia. “Obviously it makes me unbelievably proud to be a part of the history of this great club,” said Wendt. “Everyone who knows me knows what these ten years have meant and what they will always mean. It's been a wonderful time for me. I love Borussia, the area, the fans and the boys that I share the pitch with each day. This club will always remain in my heart. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to come back when BORUSSIA-PARK is full again to say thank you!” Everyone here at Borussia Mönchengladbach says “Tack, Oscar”, and all the best for the future!