In an open letter to SV Werder Bremen fans, club captain Clemens Fritz has confirmed that he will retire from football in the summer.
The 35-year-old has been at the club since 2006, making 256 Bundesliga appearances for die Grün-Weißen, scoring four goals and assisting a further 22.
The German international was part of the team that won the DFB-Pokal in 2009 which resulted in Werder Bremen beating Bayer Leverkusen with just a single goal from Mesut Özil.
"After careful consideration, I have come to the decision that I mean to finish my sporting career after this season," Fritz’ open letter stated. "The decision was not taken lightly but it is, for me, irrefutable.
"I have now played for Werder Bremen for 10 years and I've witnessed all the ups and downs in recent years," added Fritz. "I've not only grown fond of the association (with the club). It has become an essential part of my life."
Whilst Fritz will no longer have a playing role at the club, the 35-year-old is likely to be staying at Bremen in some capacity. “It still makes me proud to wear the Werder diamond on the heart,” closed Fritz.
End of an era?
Fritz started his career playing for hometown club Rot-Weiß Erfurt in the Regionalliga before moving to 2. Bundesliga side, Karlsruher SC in 2001, before impressing and signing for Klaus Augenthaler’s Leverkusen, where he spent three years of his career.
Thomas Schaaf was the man who brought Fritz to Bremen in 2006, before going on to make 32 Bundesliga appearances in his debut season, helping his new side a third placed finish which meant Champions League qualification.
Fritz was an integral part of the Bremen side of 10 years, playing alongside the likes of Torsten Frings, Özil and Claudio Pizarro. Winning the DFB-Pokal in 2009, Fritz helped his side to the final the following season, this time losing out against Bayern Munich.
It was however a good year for Fritz and Bremen in 2009, as the German club made it to the UEFA Cup 2008-09 final, where they ultimately lost to 2-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk in extra time.
His performances in 2006 led to the German being called up to the national team that year, which saw him earn 22 caps in a two year period, helping Germany reach the Euro 2008 final, where they eventually lost out to Spain.