Grischa Prömel (foto: Twitter)
Grischa Prömel turned down the chance to drive a new Mercedes after joining Stuttgart because his old Ford Fiesta carries a special family meaning.
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Professional footballers and expensive cars usually go together, but Grischa Prömel is clearly not interested in following that tradition.
Stuttgart's new signing has attracted attention in Germany before even making his first league appearance for the club, after deciding to keep driving a Ford Fiesta that is more than 20 years old.
That may not sound particularly unusual until you consider what Stuttgart can offer him instead.
The Bundesliga club has a sponsorship agreement with Mercedes-Benz that allows players to receive new cars from the German manufacturer. Prömel, however, decided he did not need one.
His old Ford means more than a new Mercedes
The 31-year-old midfielder's decision has nothing to do with money.
His Fiesta carries significant sentimental value because of its connection to his family.
The car was originally bought by Prömel's grandparents as a gift for his brother before eventually being passed on to him. He has continued driving it ever since.
Even after joining Stuttgart and receiving the opportunity to switch to a considerably more expensive Mercedes, Prömel saw no reason to change.
"Cars are not important to me. I haven't even started a family yet, so why would I buy a new car?" he explained.
For Prömel, the old Fiesta is more than transportation. It remains a connection to his grandparents and his family.
New challenge at Stuttgart
Prömel joined Stuttgart during the summer transfer window after building an extensive career in German football.
He developed at Hoffenheim before playing for Karlsruhe and Union Berlin, eventually returning to Hoffenheim.
Now, at 31, the midfielder has taken another step by joining Stuttgart, where he could also have the opportunity to play in the Champions League.
His football surroundings may have changed and European nights could be waiting, but one thing will remain familiar: Prömel intends to arrive in the same 20-year-old Ford Fiesta that means more to him than any brand-new Mercedes.