It is strange for three top German players to all retire in the same summer, but it is even more so when all three still had the potential to play for much longer.
Andre Schurrle was the first, Benedikt Howedes the second and now it is Sandro Wagner's turn to say goodbye. Just like the defender, Wagner is 32. Schurrle is 29.
"I'm incredibly grateful to football for having given me such a marvellous life. I managed to achieve all my goals and dreams," Wagner told 'Bild', where he announced his retirement.
Wagner said that he is "very happy to receive so many calls from Bundesliga and foreign clubs," but that his decision to retire this summer "is a firm one".
"In September I'll start to prepare to become a coach. My plan is to have a coaching role next summer," the former Bayern Munich footballer announced.
Now, Wagner only wants to "enjoy time with the family" who he has also thanked. "They were always there for me, although I couldn't always be there for my wife and kids while I was playing professionally," he admitted.