André Schürrle's football career started in Mainz and via Bayer Leverkusen the German ended up in Chelsea. The London club paid 18 million pounds, that is about 210 million kronor.
During those years, he also became world champion with Germany in 2014. He delivered, among other things, two goals in the 7-1 crush against Brazil in the World Cup semi-final.
After that he has represented Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund, who have loaned him to Fulham and Sparta Moscow.
Today, Schürrle, 29 years old, announced that he is quitting his football career.
"You always have to play a certain role to survive in an industry, otherwise you will lose your job and you will not get a new one," Schürrle told Der Spiegel.
"I don't need the applause anymore"The 29-year-old says that football has made him "rich, but alone". The decision has been around for a long time.
- The heavier periods are getting deeper and the highlights fewer and fewer, says Schürrle.
- I do not need the applause anymore. If I look back on my career, it has been a lot of ups and downs. It has also been a valuable experience, both in terms of sports and private.
More football: Porto league champions - for the 29th time