Mainz goalkeeper Rene Alder has confirmed he will retire at the end of the Bundesliga season.
The 34-year-old, a 12-time Germany international, is to bring an end to his playing career after 17 years in the senior game.
Adler, who has not featured for Mainz in 2018-19, says his body can no longer cope with the rigours of the sport.
The trust in my body just isn t there anymore. It doesn t make sense anymore to continue and therefore I am retiring, said Adler, who suffered a serious knee injury in his last outing for Mainz a 3-0 win over RB Leipzig in April 2018.
It was a huge mental effort. I have paid a heavy price. My body has had enough.
Adler came through Bayer Leverkusen s youth team and spent a further six years there after making his debut in 2006.
He then spent five seasons with Hamburg before joining Mainz in 2017. In total, he played 269 matches in Germany s top flight.
Adler won a dozen caps for Germany, but missed out on a place at the 2010 World Cup due to a rib injury.
Goalkeeper René Adler (269 appearances, 12 appearances) has announced his retirement from football at the of the season.
We wish you a happy retirement, René!
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN)
