As the German Bundesliga club reported, the 29-year-old informed the club’s board of directors in a personal conversation on Thursday. Hinteregger therefore asked to be released immediately from the obligations of his contract, which runs until June 2024. The wish was granted.
Martin Hinteregger explains: “Last autumn I had my first thoughts of retiring after the season. I found myself in a difficult phase in terms of sport: my performance was fluctuating. The victories didn’t feel so good anymore, but every defeat hurt twice as much. My performance boost in the spring and our joint successes in the Europa League motivated me all the more to say goodbye with a great sporting success. I enjoyed the Europa League win so much because I knew then that it would be my last big victory celebration with the fantastic fans in this city, which has become my second home. I will only look back on my time at Eintracht with great gratitude and joy, I will continue to feel close ties to the club and its supporters and I will support the team as it continues through Europe as a fan. I would like to thank my teammates, the coaching team, the team behind the team, all employees and the sporting management for the trust, support and the fantastic time I was able to experience here – above all I thank the fans, who always have my back have stood, especially in difficult times.
In the past few weeks, a number of topics have arisen about my ‘Hinti Cup’, which I have held with heart and soul and with a clear conscience, the scope of which only became clear to me afterwards. Emotional, maybe thoughtless words from me have led to irritation and I would like to apologize for that. I am very sorry. To say it again very clearly: I condemn right-wing, intolerant and inhuman ideas in the strongest terms. Anyone who knows me knows that. First of all, I need to gain some distance and reorient my life. I’m grateful that Eintracht gives me the opportunity to take this step now.”
The central defender has played 67 international matches for Austria so far. He recently missed the games in the Nations League under neo-team boss Ralf Rangnick due to an injury.
Source: Nachrichten
