One of Norwich City's overseas talents has helped spread the club's German fever across the border at a Suffolk academy.

Eastern Daily Press: Christoph Zimmermann with staff and students at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David HannantChristoph Zimmermann with staff and students at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

Defender Christoph Zimmermann was guest of honour when Ormiston Denes Academy opened its new German department, cutting the ribbon and meeting students.

The 24-year-old, who joined from Borussia Dortmund II in the summer, was also given a whistle stop tour of the academy, as well as speaking to more than 100 students in an assembly.

The new department is the latest addition to the school's modern foreign language program, with German becoming the third language taught in the school, along with French and Spanish.

Mr Zimmermann said: 'German is quite an unappreciated language, so I am delighted to see it being taught in the school and I hope the students enjoy learning it.'

Eastern Daily Press: Christoph Zimmermann takes questions from pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David HannantChristoph Zimmermann takes questions from pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

On arriving at the academy in Yarmouth Road, the City centre-back was taken straight into the assembly hall, where he answered questions about his career and growing up in Germany.

He then cut the ribbon on the department before meeting and greeting pupils during their German lesson, having brief conversations with them in his native tongue.

Hannah Morris, head of modern foreign languages at the academy, said the visit came about after she penned a letter in German to City head coach Daniel Farke.

Mr Farke personally replied to her before making sure Mr Zimmermann was on hand to do the honours.

Eastern Daily Press: Christoph Zimmermann takes questions from pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David HannantChristoph Zimmermann takes questions from pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

Frau Morris said: 'I think there is real excitement about all things German among Norwich City fans at the moment, so it's really nice that we are able to bring that into the academy.

'Daniel Farke was very supportive of what I said we were trying to do and got on board with it straight away.

'German is taught in so few schools nowadays, so I'm incredibly proud that we are able offer it. We are one of the few schools that offer students three languages from year seven upwards, before they choose one for their GCSEs.'

After meeting children in German lessons, Mr Zimmermann visited a football lesson in PE, although he resisted the temptation to join in – instead offering pitch side support.