Former Chelsea and Fulham striker Andre Schurrle has announced his retirement at the age of 29.

Schurrle left Borussia Dortmund after cancelling his contract on Wednesday and was expected to look for a new club.

But the 57-cap Germany international, who helped them to World Cup glory just six years ago in Brazil, has opted to hang up his boots.

Schurrle told Der Spiegel: "The decision matured in me for a long time" before saying that: "the depths became deeper and the highlights less and less".

"I don't need the applause anymore," he added in a lengthy interview.

"You always have to play a certain role in order to survive in the business, otherwise you will lose your job and you will not get a new one."