Freiburg's Höfler to retire after Europa League final
Freiburg midfielder Nicolas Höfler will end his football career at the end of the season, he said in a video posted by the club on Wednesday. His last match will be the Europa League final against Aston Villa on May 20. Höfler, however, will remain at the club in another role, which is yet to be announced.
For years, Höfler was a key player and an indispensable part of Freiburg's starting line-up, but this season he has increasingly played only a minor role under coach Julian Schuster, seeing little playing time. Höfler came through Freiburg's academy and made his debut for the professional team in 2010. He spent two years Erzgebirge Aue before returning to Freiburg in 2013 - and never left again.
He said he had "an amazing time" and experienced "many wonderful, emotional moments" with the club.