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Reto ZieglerSwiss footballer, left midfielder.
Date of Birth: 16.01.1986
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Early Career and Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur
- Rise to Prominence and Recognition
- Loan Spells and Return to Europe
- Stints in Italy, Turkey, and Russia
- International Career
- Family and Other Achievements
- Turkish Cup (2011/12)
Early Career and Transfer to Tottenham Hotspur
Reto Ziegler is a Swiss footballer who plays as a left-sided midfielder. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, he began his professional career with his hometown club Servette. In 2004, he moved to one of Switzerland's top clubs, Grasshoppers Zurich.
In the summer of 2004, Tottenham Hotspur signed Ziegler on a pre-contract agreement. However, Tottenham's sporting director Frank Arnesen persuaded Grasshoppers to release the player in August of the same year.
Rise to Prominence and Recognition
Despite being only 18 years old at the time, Ziegler quickly became a key player under Tottenham manager Jacques Santini. Under Santini's successor, Martin Jol, Ziegler further cemented his place in the Spurs' starting lineup. He was versatile enough to play on either the left side of midfield or defense, often switching positions with fellow Swiss international Timothée Atouba.
In his debut season with Tottenham, Ziegler made 31 appearances in all competitions, including 23 in the Premier League. He showed great promise and quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his marauding runs down the flank and intelligent passing. Ziegler scored his first professional goal on January 1, 2005, in a 5-2 victory over Everton. He was named Tottenham's Young Player of the Year at the end of the season.
Loan Spells and Return to Europe
The following season, after the acquisition of several new defenders, Ziegler was sent on loan to Hamburg and later to Wigan Athletic. His spell at Hamburg was marked by a conflict with manager Thomas Doll, leading to only 11 Bundesliga appearances and 3 UEFA Cup matches.
Returning to Tottenham in January 2006, Ziegler was immediately sent on loan again, this time to Premier League club Wigan Athletic. He made 10 Premier League appearances, one FA Cup appearance, and came off the bench in the League Cup final.
Stints in Italy, Turkey, and Russia
In January 2007, Ziegler joined Sampdoria on loan until the end of the season. He played his first match for Sampdoria on February 18, 2007 against Parma in Serie A. On July 3, 2007, Sampdoria signed Ziegler permanently.
In the summer of 2010, Ziegler was linked with a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg. However, on May 26, 2011, he joined Juventus on a free transfer. Ziegler did not make any appearances for Juventus and was subsequently loaned to Fenerbahçe on September 3, 2011. His loan spell with Fenerbahçe lasted until June 30, 2012, during which he played 38 matches and scored one goal.
On September 6, 2012, Ziegler moved to Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow on loan. He made his debut for Lokomotiv in the Russian Cup on September 26, 2012.
International Career
Ziegler represented Switzerland at various youth levels (under-17, under-19, and under-21). In 2002, he helped Switzerland win the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Denmark. In the final against France, Ziegler scored the decisive penalty to secure a 3-2 shootout victory after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
Ziegler made his full international debut for Switzerland on March 26, 2005, in a 2006 World Cup qualifier against France at the Stade de France. He played two more matches in that qualifying campaign but was not included in the squad for the 2006 World Cup. Ziegler scored his only international goal on November 19, 2008, in a friendly against Finland in St. Gallen.
Family and Other Achievements
Ziegler's brother, Ronald Ziegler, is also a professional footballer who plays for FC Malley in Switzerland. In addition to his club and international accolades, Ziegler has won the following titles:
