World Cup Winner Andre Schurrle Retires From Football, Aged 29

Andre Schurrle, a World Cup winner and former Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund winger, has announced his retirement from football.

The 29-year-old, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow, has decided to hang up his boots after admitting personal struggles that stemmed from life as a footballer.

Schurrle cancelled his contract at Dortmund earlier this week and days later, opened up to German publication Spiegel, confirming his departure from the game in an emotional interview.

"The decision matured in me for a long time." he said. "The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less. I don't need the applause anymore.

"You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in the business, otherwise you will lose your job and you will not get a new one."

The former Germany international, who played a huge part in the 2014 World Cup triumph, also posted his intentions to retire on Instagram earlier.

"Hi all, I want to let you know that I'm stepping away from playing professional football." he wrote.

"On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank everybody who was a part of these phenomenal years. The support and love you shared with me was unbelievable and more I could have ever asked for.

"Now I'm ready and open for all the beautiful possibilities that are coming towards me, André."

Schurrle began his career at German side Mainz 05 before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2011. His breakthrough season came during the 2012/13 season, where he became one of the hottest prospects in Germany after scoring 14 goals in 43 games.

As a result of his fine form, Chelsea swooped in to sign the player for a fee of £18 million and, although he would only play a total of 44 appearances for the club, he would earn a Premier League winners medal towards the end of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Schurrle would go on to play for Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham and Spartak Moscow before deciding to call it a day.

We wish André all the best in his future endeavours.