Nikolov quits Frankfurt - after 19 years

After 19 years and 379 matches, ex-Macedonia international goalkeeper Oka Nikolov is quitting Eintracht Frankfurt and the Bundesliga to pursue his dream of playing in the North American MLS, it was announced on Tuesday.

“Eintracht is everything to me – I had a really great time at this fantastic club, but it’s always been my dream to play in America and broaden my horizons,” said Nikolov, who was promoted and relegated six times with Eintracht.

Having lost his place in the Frankfurt first-team to 22-year-old Kevin Trapp, the 39-year-old Nikolov has had the final year on his contract terminated with immediate effect and will leave the club he joined as a 17-year-old in 1991.

Although he has no firm MLS offer, in a club statement, Frankfurt said they are prepared to release Nikolov, who made five appearances for Macedonia, due to his “many long years of service and excellent record” having spent most of the last season on the bench.