Martin Hinteregger retires

Today (Thursday 23 June 2022), Martin Hinteregger informed the board of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG in a private conversation that he wishes to end his career as a professional footballer and asked to be released early from his contract, which was valid until 30 June 2024. After in-depth talks with the player and his agent Christian Sand, and after consulting head coach Oliver Glasner, the board have agreed to this request and cancelled the Austrian’s contract.

Hinteregger therefore departs professional football with immediate effect following three and a half years and 138 competitive appearances for the Eagles (14 goals, six assists).

Martin Hinteregger explained: “Last autumn I’d already started to think about retiring at the end of the season. I was in a difficult period on the pitch: my performances were shaky. The wins didn’t feel as good anymore, and every defeat hurt twice as much. My improvement in the spring and our joint successes in the Europa League made me even more motivated to bow out with a great sporting success. That’s why I enjoyed the Europa League victory so much, because I already knew it would be my last big victory celebration with the fantastic fans in this city, which has become my second home. I will think back on my time with Eintracht with only great gratitude and joy, continue to feel closely connected to the club and their fans, and support the team as a fan on their continued journey in Europe. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the backroom staff, all the employees and the sporting management for the faith, the support and the wonderful time I’ve experienced here. Above all I thank the fans, who have always been behind me, including and especially in difficult times. In the past few weeks, a number of issues have arisen around my 'Hinti Cup', which I have run with passion and the best intentions, the implications of which have only become clear to me in retrospect. Some emotional and perhaps ill-advised words from me have caused irritation and I would like to apologise for that. I regret that very much. To make it clear once again: I condemn right-wing, intolerant and inhuman ideas in the strongest possible terms. Those who know me know that. For now, I need to get some distance and readjust my life. I’m grateful that Eintracht have given me the opportunity to take this step now.”

Markus Krösche, Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG board member for sport, said: “Martin Hinteregger has done a superb job for Eintracht Frankfurt in the past few years and has made a significant contribution to the club’s great development. Martin’s decision came as a surprise to us, but he laid out his perspective and his reasons in a convincing way. We therefore had no doubts about agreeing to his wish, which was painful from a sporting point of view but understandable from a human point of view. Martin’s move deserves respect and appreciation. Martin will always be welcome in Frankfurt as a distinguished player and Europa League winner, not least because of his sincere apology for his behaviour in recent days and weeks, and his clear and believable distancing from right-wing ideology. We hope he finds his feet after ending his playing career and wish him all the best for the future.”