BERLIN (AP) — Former Germany midfielder
“It’s a very difficult step but it’s the only right one. Fifteen years of professional soccer have left their marks,” Khedira said in a media call organized by his club
The 34-year-old Khedira joined Hertha from Italian giant
“It was a gradual process,” Khedira said of his decision. “I have a demand on myself, I don’t want to push it to the last. I have a responsibility to my body. In the end, my gut feeling decided.”
Khedira said he would have liked to play in front of fans, especially with his younger brother
Khedira made 77 appearances for
But Khedira barely played in his final year at
Hertha coach Pál Dárdai praised Khedira’s off-the-field impact.
“He couldn’t help much from a sporting point of view, but from taking care of matters in the changing room, it wasn’t just his name that was world class. It was a great help,” Dárdai said.
Hertha managed to stave off relegation last weekend. Khedira’s last game will be against Hoffenheim on Saturday – if he plays.
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