"It was difficult because Leipzig means so much to us"

RBL remains a big part of the Gulácsi household. Pete has watched almost every Leipzig game live since leaving the club. After 11 years in goal for RBL, watching from afar still feels strange. “It is a bit weird,” said Pete. “But I have my job here at Villarreal now and that’s what I’m focused on. I watch the Leipzig games as a fan and always want the team to do well.”

The relationship remains strong away from the pitch too. Péter has spoken to Willi Orbán several times, for example, and has exchanged messages with his successor, Maarten Vandevoordt. “After 11 years, the friendships and special relationships you’ve built don’t just disappear.”

Willi has already overtaken Pete for Bundesliga wins in an RBL shirt. The goalkeeper smiles at the prospect of more of his records being broken: “If anyone deserves it, it’s him. He’s my friend and I’m happy for him.” But he isn’t about to let the subject of records go without a response: “Besides, I set a few records as a goalkeeper that won’t be so easy to break.”

Leipzig remains a “second home” for Péter Gulácsi and his family. Saying goodbye was difficult because of the people, the memories they made together and the life they had built there. One thing is certain for the former RBL goalkeeper: “We’ll definitely be back to visit, and we’ll always have the memories with us.”