Lewis Holtby announces retirement from football | OneFootball

Former Germany international Lewis Holtby has announced the end of his career on Tuesday. The 35-year-old last played for Eredivisie side NAC Breda, where he regularly featured after his last Bundesliga experience with Holstein Kiel.

The central midfielder previously played for Schalke, Bochum, Mainz and Hamburg in Germany’s top-flight league. He also appeared in over 100 2. Bundesliga games with three clubs.

A Fritz Walter gold medalist at the U19 age group in 2009, Holtby also played for English clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers. After making his Bundesliga breakthrough with Thomas Tuchel’s Mainz in the 2010/11 season, he won his only trophy when Schalke beat fierce rivals Borussia Dortmund in the 2012 German Supercup.

Holtby scored 26 goals in 225 Bundesliga games. The Erkelenz native played three times for the Germany national team, with his only competitive appearance coming as a late substitute in a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan during the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

"It's time to say goodbye. After almost 20 years as a pro, my active career ends today. I leave the pitch with pride, humility, and endless gratitude. But one thing is certain: I will never turn my back on soccer. This game will always be a part of me, and I'm looking forward to what's next." Holtby wrote on Instagram.