Borussia Dortmund defender Niklas Süle has announced he will end his professional career this summer.

30-year-old Borussia Dortmund defender Niklas Süle announced in a podcast that he will officially end his professional football career after the 2025/26 season.

Süle, from Germany, joined Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has made 109 appearances for the club in all competitions during his career.

In the 30th round of the Bundesliga this season, Dortmund played Hoffenheim away, but Süle was injured.

When discussing his serious consideration of retiring, Süle said, "I want to announce that I will end my professional career this summer. At that time, the team doctor was doing a drawer test on me in the Hoffenheim locker room. He glanced at the physiotherapist and shook his head, and the physiotherapist did not feel any resistance after the examination. At that moment, I went into the shower and cried for 10 minutes. I really thought at that time, it's over, it's really over."

“On the second day, I went for an MRI and got good news. I was 1000% sure it was time to end it. I can’t imagine anything worse than having to face my third torn ACL when I was already looking forward to a new phase of my life, being able to arrange my life freely, go on vacation, and spend time with my children.”

Süle continued, “Everything I experienced in my first season, when we were just one step away from the league title. The emotions I felt then were ones I had only experienced once before in my life, the tension and excitement before my first professional game.”

"The moment before the match against Mainz was one of the most intense emotions I've ever felt in my life. I don't know if I'll ever feel that way again, that adrenaline rush."

In addition, Süle said, "When I look back on my four years at Dortmund, there are so many moments I enjoyed. The jokes in the locker room and the atmosphere in the stadium, and the 80,000 fans who always welcomed me so warmly. I will miss this time very much, and I will miss the feeling of home here."

“From the first day I arrived here, I felt the cheerfulness, enthusiasm and sincerity of the people of Dortmund. I resonate with this very strongly. My child also goes to kindergarten here, and it would be really difficult for our family to leave.”

On the other hand, Borussia Dortmund will host Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park in the 33rd round of the Bundesliga, which will be the "Black and Yellows'" last home game of the season.

Image source: Internet