Eintracht Frankfurt defender Martin Hinteregger has retired from professional football, aged 29, the club has confirmed.
The Austrian international reportedly informed the board of the club in a private conversation that he wishes to end his career as a professional footballer and asked to be released early from his contract, which was valid until 30 June 2024.
This comes just a month after the defender led the club to the Europa League victory.
“After in-depth talks with the player and his agent Christian Sand, and after consulting head coach Oliver Glasner, the board have agreed to this request and cancelled the Austrian’s contract.
“Hinteregger, therefore, departs professional football with immediate effect following three and a half years and 138 competitive appearances for the Eagles (14 goals, six assists).”
Martin Hinteregger explained: “Last autumn I’d already started to think about retiring at the end of the season. I was in a difficult period on the pitch: my performances were shaky. The wins didn’t feel as good anymore, and every defeat hurt twice as much.
“My improvement in the spring and our joint successes in the Europa League made me even more motivated to bow out with great sporting success. That’s why I enjoyed the Europa League victory so much because I already knew it would be my last big victory celebration with the fantastic fans in this city, which has become my second home.
“I will think back on my time with Eintracht with only great gratitude and joy, continue to feel closely connected to the club and their fans, and support the team as a fan on their continued journey in Europe,”
The player’s decision comes shortly after being criticized for his role in a football tournament, which linked him to some controversial far-right political group, Identitarian Movement Austria.
