Stefan Reinartz made 15 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in an injury-plagued 2015/16 season. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
Stefan Reinartz made 15 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in an injury-plagued 2015/16 season. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Frankfurt's Reinartz announces retirement

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Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Stefan Reinartz has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Eagles from Bayer 04 Leverkusen in summer 2015, cited his health as the principle factor behind his decision.

"My last three years as a player have been shaped by a great deal of injuries and therefore disappointments," Reinartz told Frankfurt's official club website. "I played football with complete dedication and I believe that's the only way you can be a professional. After suffering my last three injuries within the space of six months, I no longer have that same conviction that this is the right path for me in the coming years. That is why I see it as my responsibility towards the club, my team-mates and the fans to make this decision."

The defensive midfielder made a total of 163 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen and Frankfurt, scoring 12 goals in the process, and was capped three times at full international level by Germany.