Marcel Hartel has opened up on his emotional departure from St. Louis City after completing a transfer back to his native Germany with 2. Bundesliga outfit Hannover.

The German playmaker established himself as one of the standout figures in Major League Soccer during his time in Missouri, registering 24 goals and providing 18 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions. Hartel departs as St. Louis's leading scorer in MLS for 2026 with six goals, while also contributing three assists.

Addressing his departure, Hartel explained that off-pitch circumstances drove his desire to head home.

"Making this decision has been very difficult because my time in St. Louis has meant so much to me," Hartel said. "From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by my team-mates, the staff, the supporters and the entire community."

"This was a very difficult decision that I felt I had to make for my family with what is going on in our personal lives. I know it wasn’t easy, but I want to thank everyone at the club for understanding my request to return to Germany and for supporting me throughout this process. I wish my team-mates and everyone at the club nothing but success for the rest of the season and beyond."

St. Louis prepare for life without Hartel against San Jose

St. Louis City now head into their first fixture since Hartel's departure when they visit the San Jose Earthquakes. St. Louis are currently enjoying an eight-game unbeaten streak in league action (six wins, two draws) and arrive on a three-match undefeated run on the road (two wins, one draw).

Midfielder Tomas Ostrak and Hartel both scored as substitutes in St. Louis's last two outings, taking the club's tally of bench goals in 2026 to five—matching their combined output from substitutes across the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.

Third-placed San Jose sit seven points clear of St. Louis in the Western Conference but have struggled for form since the World Cup break, failing to win in three matches (one draw, two defeats) and conceding four or more goals in two of those fixtures. Preston Judd remains one of their key creators, having recently become the eighth different San Jose player to tally at least three assists this season.