El Mala 'proud' to stay at Cologne after Dortmund collapse

Cologne's sporting director insists the teenager is not down after a big move fell through.

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What happened. Borussia Dortmund ended their pursuit of Saïd El Mala after failing to reach an agreement with Cologne, but the player remains proud to be a Cologne player.

• Kessler says El Mala is not disappointed and speaks openly with him daily.
• Talks were respectful, and the outcome was expected for days.
• El Mala could feature in Cologne's first game against Würzburger Kickers.

“I don’t see any disappointment in him. He’s clearly very proud to be a Cologne player.”

— Thomas Kessler

Cologne's first competitive match is away to Würzburger Kickers on 24 August.

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