Freiburg defensive midfielder Nicolas Hefler has confirmed his retirement this summer at the age of 36.

Freiburg officially announced on Wednesday that 36-year-old German defensive midfielder Nicolas Hefler will retire at the end of this season.

Hefler joined Freiburg's youth academy at the age of 15 and was loaned out to Erzgebirge Aue in the second division early in his professional career. Since establishing himself as a regular starter in the 2013/14 season, he has made 381 appearances for Freiburg, scoring 14 goals and providing 26 assists.

Now, Hefler has decided to end his 15-year professional career. In his official farewell video, he stated clearly: "My professional career will come to an end at the end of this season. I have had a long journey, filled with many beautiful and moving moments. Now, it's all coming to a close. Starting this summer, I will begin a new chapter."

Hefler later added: "It is gratifying that, thanks to the deep friendship I have built with Freiburg over the years, I have been granted permission to remain with the club. Further details will likely be announced in the coming weeks."

“I have been fortunate to have gone through a journey that I could not have imagined 25 years ago, when professional football was a distant dream for me. I am very proud to have achieved my dream and come this far, and I am happy to look back on this journey.”

“I’m 36 years old this year. The playing time and other factors over the past two years have actually said a lot. Nevertheless, I still love football. If conditions allowed, I would like to continue playing because it still brings me a lot.”

"However, we eventually reached a consensus on retirement. I can fully understand and accept the club's considerations. We have communicated many times in the past few months, especially some private exchanges, and have seriously considered what the right choice is, which path I should take, whether now is the right time, and so on. In short, a lot has happened in the past few months."

Image source: Internet/Kicker