DORTMUND Neven Subotic has left Dortmund as a PROFESSIONAL footballer. Last week, the BVB announced the change of the Serb to the French first division AS Saint -Étienne. But he is also linked to the city by his Neven Subotic Foundation, which was founded five years ago.

As the darling of Borussia Dortmund's fans ,Neven Subotic will remain in the city ​​without any doubt. But also as an ambassador for children in need.

In addition to his sporting legacy and his own parking lot at the Lindemannstraße (which he got in 2011 after the BVB championship after a boisterous party in Kreuzviertel) leaves the 29-year-old in Dortmund namely his Neven Subotic Foundation.

Firmly established in Dortmund

"The headquarters of the foundation is and will continue to be here in Dortmund, regardless of Nevens' whereabouts," says Shari Malzahn of the Foundation Board in an interview with our newspaper. Over the past five years, the team in Dortmund has created a wonderful basis for being able to do valuable and successful work in the years to come.

The foundation - it is based on Westenhellweg - was firmly established in Dortmund and it should change nothing in the future. "We think it's right to have a one-stop-shop here," says Malzhan. Dortmund is the home of the foundation and remains forever a piece of home for Neven Subotic. "We are therefore in good spirits that this will work."

Less presence on appointments

The football professional will take care of the foundation work from France in the future. "We are connected online by all means," says Shari Malzhan. That's why not much will change.

Only one thing: in the future, Neven Subotic will be able to attend fewer appointments in person thanks to his new football job, and will not be able to hold lectures and accept donations as often. "But we hope that the support for our work does not just depend on one person," says Shari Malzhan.

113 projects realized in Ethiopia

Subotic founded the foundation in late 2012. Meanwhile, she has six permanent employees and a good 30 volunteers. The foundation ensures that drinking water wells and sanitary facilities are built close to schools and communities in the north of Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the world. In the long term, it should be ensured that more children can go to school. Since the foundation, 113 projects have been realized so far.