Cologne’s club mascot retires at 12

COLOGNE: Long live Hennes the Eighth. Cologne’s popular club mascot, a 12-year-old goat, is stepping down after an 11-year reign due to health reasons.

Hennes, an ever-present at the team’s games, which had overseen two relegations, two promotions and a first European campaign in 25 years, has age-related osteoarthritis and will see out his remaining days at the zoo.

He will to be given an official farewell at Cologne’s season opening tomorrow, when his successor will be presented in front of thousands of fans.

Cologne has had its famous mascot since 1950, when it was gifted a former circus goat and named it after coach Hennes Weisweiler. | AP ANA