Storm icon is back

Jantscher’s future open: “Nothing is fixed yet!”

The adventure in Hong Kong is over for Jakob Jantscher and his family.

(Bild: Jantscher)

Jakob Jantscher is back after his exotic guest appearance in Hong Kong! The 35-year-old Sturm legend talks about the one-year adventure in Asia, Sturm's double sensation, the reason for his return home and where he will probably continue his career.

Jakob Jantscher is back home! However, the Sturm legend was only in his paradise not far from Graz for a short time. He arrived in Styria with his family on Monday after a season in Hong Kong, and on Wednesday the Jantschers jetted off to Jesolo for their summer vacation. "The weather here is better than in Austria," grinned "JJ" as he arrived on the Adriatic with his wife Andrada and their children Alma and Jakob.

As a fruit grower, "JJ" now has more time to work at home again.

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

In August of the previous year, Jantscher moved to Kitchee in Hong Kong. One last adventure as a legionnaire in Asia. Well paid, of course. "It was a cool year, we experienced a lot. Both on a sporting and personal level. You also grow personally in a year like that. I played 30 games for Kitchee, scored twelve goals, made nine assists and was able to play in the Champions League."

"We won two cup titles, we just messed up the championship. After a weak final spurt in the league, we only finished fourth.

Jakob Jantscher

The Styrian's assessment is therefore more than positive. "We won two cup titles, we just messed up in the championship. Unfortunately, we only finished fourth after a weak final spurt in the league," said "JJ", who had never been back home since moving to the foreign country due to the fixture list in the Exotic League.

"Time to take it easy"
But now he is staying in the Green Marrow. "The time has come to take it easy. There have been a few offers from Asia, but my family and I are now looking forward to our time at home." Where a paradise awaits the storm legend in Fernitz: a 200-year-old farmhouse, six hectares with around 3,000 trees, where Jantscher works as a part-time fruit grower.

A year ago, Jakob Jantscher left Sturm for an exotic adventure in Asia.

(Bild: GEPA/GEPA pictures)

However, he is not hanging up his soccer boots after his return. According to the veteran, there have been talks with a Bundesliga club, but "JJ" will probably move to the 2nd division. A move to promoted Voitsberg is said to be practically a done deal. However, Jantscher (still) waves it off: "Nothing is fixed yet, I haven't signed anywhere. But the club has visions, wants to achieve something. That's good for you, of course."

On June 24, the regional league champions, where ex-Sturm vice-chairman Michael Münzer is the chairman, will host the grand opening of the season at the castle ruins in Obervoitsberg. It would come as no great surprise if "JJ" is presented as the new star.

Return to Sturm at some point
After the end of his career, Jantscher, who played 250 games for his Blacks, will return to Sturm at some point. "This is my club, now I'm just a fan. In Hong Kong, I was trembling for the title in the dramatic final. Winning the double is something special."