ANKARA (AA) – Eintracht Frankfurt’s center-back Martin Hinteregger retired from football unexpectedly at the age of just 29, the German club said on Thursday.

The 2022 Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt said the Austrian player’s deal, which was due to expire in 2024, was ended at his own request with immediate effect.

Hinteregger said he enjoyed the Europa League win, which he already knew was a last huge celebration with the “fantastic” supporters in Frankfurt.

“My improvement in the spring and our joint successes in the Europa League made me even more motivated to bow out with a great sporting success,” he added.

“I will think back on my time with Eintracht with only great gratitude and joy, continue to feel closely connected to the club and their fans, and support the team as a fan on their continued journey in Europe.”

Hinteregger scored 14 goals and made six assists in 138 matches for the German club during his three-and-a-half-year spell.

He also had played for Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg, and German clubs Borussia Monchengladbach and FC Augsburg in his career.

Hinteregger amassed 67 international caps for the Austrian national team.