By Rune Gjerulff
Out of nowhere, Martin Hinteregger has decided to hang up his boots.
Eintracht Frankfurt have announced that Martin Hinteregger will retire from football with immediate effect.
At a personal meeting today, Hinteregger told the club board that he would like to end his career as a professional footballer and requested to be released from his contract, which was due to expire in 2024.
After intensive discussions with the player and his agent, Christian Sand, and after consulting with head coach Oliver Glasner, the board have complied with this request and terminated the 29-year-old’s contract.
“I already had initial thoughts last fall about quitting after the season. I was in a difficult phase sportingly: My performances were fluctuating. The victories didn’t feel so good anymore, but every defeat hurt twice as much,” explained Hinteregger and continued:
“My performance boost in the spring and our joint success in the Europa League then motivated me all the more to say goodbye with a major sporting success. I enjoyed the Europa League victory so much because I knew then that it would be my last big victory celebration with the fantastic fans in this city, which has become my second home. I will only look back on my time at Eintracht with great gratitude and joy, continue to feel a strong bond with the club and its supporters, and support the team as it continues its journey through Europe as a fan.
“I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching team, the team behind the team, all the staff and the sporting management for their trust, support and the fantastic time I have had here – above all, I would like to thank the fans who have always stood behind me, especially in difficult times. In the past few weeks, a number of issues have arisen around my ‘Hinti Cup’, which I organized with heart and soul and in good conscience, the implications of which have only become clear to me in retrospect. Emotional, perhaps thoughtless words of mine have led to irritations and for that I would like to apologize. I regret this very much. To make it clear once again: I strongly condemn right-wing, intolerant and inhuman ideas. Those who know me know that. First of all, it is important for me to gain some distance and to reorient my life. I’m grateful that Eintracht is giving me the opportunity to take this step now.”
