“Deniz, Deniz” cry a group of youngsters after VfB’s training session in Grassau. The boys and girls are sporting club jerseys and holding permanent markers in their hands – and Deniz Undav is happy to oblige their requests for selfies and autographs.
‘Feel settled at VfB’
“I feel that the interest in me has increased as a result of the World Cup, but I see that as a positive,” said the 30-year-old, who extended his contract in Stuttgart until 30 June 2029 just before the tournament. “I feel settled at VfB and in the city. In general we get great support from the fans, and it’s a nice feeling to be able to make people happy.”
Undav has long been a crowd favourite at the Cannstatt club, with fans appreciative of his down-to-earth manner and impressive performances on the pitch.
Eighty-seven goal involvements in 117 games for VfB
The striker has netted 57 goals and provided 30 assists across 117 competitive appearances for VfB to date. He’s been instrumental in the successes of recent years, and will now be playing European football with VfB for a third consecutive campaign.
“It’s going to be an intensive season with a lot of matches; we need a really good level and good fitness,” said the Germany international, who believes that competition for places will also help with that. “We have to spur on and support each other. That makes every individual better, and the team better as a result.”
Undav, who is going into his fourth season in Stuttgart, is taking on responsibility and contributing his experience. “I try, for example, to help the younger players. At the start of my career, it benefitted me to get tips and guidance,” he recalled.
At the training camp, he talks a lot to his team-mates and looks very focused as he works on building up his rhythm. Along with the rest of the team, he is eager to celebrate with the fans again in the 2026/27 season.
