Eintracht Frankfurt announce Martin Hinteregger's retirement at 29 | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt have announced the shock retirement of Martin Hinteregger at the age of just 29.

The Bundesliga club confirmed on Thursday that Hinteregger will be released from his contract – which wasn’t set to expire until June 2024 – with immediate effect following a personal conversation with the board.

“Last autumn I had my first thoughts of retiring after the season,” said Hinteregger via Eintracht’s official website.

“I found myself in a difficult phase in terms of sport: my performance was fluctuating. The victories didn’t feel so good anymore, but every defeat hurt twice as much.

“My performance boost in the spring and our joint successes in the Europa League motivated me all the more to say goodbye with a great sporting success. I enjoyed the Europa League win 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 think back to my time at Eintracht with great gratitude and joy, continue to feel a strong connection to the club and its supporters and to support the team as it continues through Europe as a fan.

“I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching team, the team behind the team, all employees and the sporting management for the trust, support and the fantastic time I was able to experience here – above all I thank the fans, who have always had my back, especially in difficult times.

“In the past few weeks, a number of topics have arisen about my ‘Hinti Cup’, which I have held with heart and soul and with a clear conscience, the implications of which only became clear to me afterwards.

“Emotional, maybe thoughtless words from me have led to irritation and I would like to apologise for that. I am very sorry.

“To say it again very clearly: I condemn right-wing, intolerant and inhuman ideas in the strongest possible terms. Anyone who knows me knows that. First of all, I need to gain some distance and reorient my life.

“I’m grateful that Eintracht gives me the opportunity to take this step now.”

Before joining Eintracht in 2019, Hinteregger also enjoyed spells at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Augsburg.

He was capped 67 times at senior level by Austria, scoring four goals.