‘The depths became deeper’: Andre Schurrle retires aged just 29

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free

Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Andre Schurrle has retired from football aged 29 after describing some of his struggles with emotional wellbeing.

Schurrle cancelled the remainder of his contract with Borussia Dortmund earlier this week and has now stepped away from football entirely, saying: “I no longer need the applause. The depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.”

The Germany international played a key role in his country’s glory at the 2014 World Cup, scoring twice in the famous 7-1 win over hosts Brazil in the semi-finals.

He began his career with Mainz and went on to play for Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Wolfsburg and then Dortmund, before loan spells with Fulham and Spartak Moscow.

“You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in the business otherwise you will lose your job and will not get a new one,” he said in an interview with Der Spiegel. ”Only performance on the pitch counts.”

He added on Instagram: ”I want to let you know that I’m stepping away from playing professional football. 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.”