Ex-Chelsea star Andre Schurrle retires aged just 29 – only six years after setting up a World Cup-winning goal – as he reveals struggles in football ‘where vulnerability and weakness must never exist’
German midfielder Andre Schurrle has announced his shock retirement from football aged just 29.
The former star has called an end to his career, admitting the personal struggles that come with life as a footballer had started to take their toll.
In an exclusive interview with German publication , Schurrle confirmed his exit from the game and revealed: ‘The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.’
In a short yet highly successful spell at elite level football, Schurrle has featured for some of Europe’s most decorated sides, including Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
It was Schurrle who provided the assist for Mario Gotze during the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, in which an extra-time goal crowned Germany champions.
‘The decision has matured in me for a long time,’ said Schurrle.
‘Only performance on the field counts, in which vulnerability and weakness must never exist,’ he added, hinting of the strains that life in the spotlight can bring to an individual who is constantly expected to perform.
SCHURRLE’S CAREER PATH IN FOOTBALL
2009–2011 Mainz 05 (apps: 66)
2011–2013 Bayer Leverkusen (apps: 65)
2013–2015 Chelsea (apps: 44)
2015–2016 VfL Wolfsburg (apps: 43)
2016–2020 Borussia Dortmund (apps: 33)
2018–2019 → Fulham (loan) (apps: 24)
2019–2020 → Spartak Moscow (loan) (apps: 13)
Honours
Chelsea – Premier League: 2014–15
Wolfsburg – DFB-Pokal: 2014–15 / DFL-Supercup: 2015
Borussia Dortmund – DFB-Pokal: 2016-17
Germany – World Cup 2014