Hannover 96 veteran Steve Cherundolo has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 35-year old American defender, who is the games record holder for the Reds, has called time on his extensive career with the German club.
Cherundolo joined Hannover in 1999 and remained with the Lower Saxony club for the entirety of his playing days.
Knee injuries have forced the 87-times capped USA international out of the game prematurely but he has plenty of great memories of his time spent with die Roten.
"Because of several knee injuries in the past 15 months, I have to stop my career as a professional footballer today," Cherundolo told reporters.
"I have been allowed since 1999 to be with Hannover 96, a club that has made incredible sporting and economic progress. But at the same time it has not lost its heart and soul - namely, the fans.
"I am thrilled about further involvement in the club, and I will try to give back everything that I have learned as a professional football player and man at Hannover 96. Thank you very much."
In total, Cherundolo made 415 appearances for Hannover in all competitions, including 302 in the Bundesliga. He skippered the side on 95 occasions and is planning to remain at the HDI-Arena as he embarks on the next phase of his career.
"I was lucky I found the right club for me straight away," Cherundolo added. "I never saw any reason to leave this club.
"They are still growing and I want to remain a part of that."
