Popular football club mascot, 12-year-old goat steps down after 11 years

FILE-In this Dec. 13, 2017 file photo the mascot of German Bundesliga club Cologne, Hennes VIII., stands on the pitch prior to a match in Cologne, Germany. The goat called Hennes the Eighth is retiring due to health reasons. [AP]

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 who 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 local zoo.