“Grateful” Schwolow reflects fondly on Hearts stint

Departing Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow has revealed that his decision to leave the Tynecastle club has been extremely difficult. A private family matter has prompted Schwolow to return to Germany after 12 months with the Jambos, though he was full of praise for the support he received throughout his stay. “My family couldn’t settle as I would have liked, so I had to make a tough decision to ask if it was possible to go back home, close to where I’m from,” Schwolow said. “I’ll be forever grateful for the club’s understanding. It wasn’t a sporting decision, just family.” “When I first heard of Hearts, I didn’t know the club because I wasn’t following Scottish football at all,” he admitted. “But from the moment I came here, I felt welcomed. “Amazing atmosphere at Tynecastle, amazing stadium, and amazing fans. That made the decision easy. I didn’t regret it.” Schwolow joined from German giants Union Berlin in last season’s transfer window, making 31 appearances and keeping 15 clean sheets as a stalwart signing for Derek McInnes. He featured in the dramatic final-day title showdown with Celtic as Hearts narrowly missed out on the league championship for the first time since 1960. “From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by everybody. It was amazing, and it was so much fun to play here,” he continued. “I liked everybody, from the dressing room to the fans. “It was a family decision. I’m not only a football player; I’m a husband and a father as well.” Schwolow added that last week’s 4-0 defeat to Sturm Graz was “disappointing,” but he looks set to make one final appearance between the sticks for the Jambos this evening.