Austrian full-back Martin Hintergerr puts his football boots on the shelf, at just 29 years old.
The background includes accusations of neo-Naziism.
Martin Hinterger was a part of it Eintracht Frankfurt Who reached the final of the European League and won the entire tournament there. The final win is now allowed to end the 29-year-old’s career as he opts to retire – with two years remaining on his contract.
“Already last fall, I started thinking about retiring at the end of the season. I went through a difficult period on the pitch where my performance was shaky. Gains are not good anymore and every loss hurt twice,” he says in a press release.
Hinterger has previously represented major teams such as RB Salzburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach, scoring 67 caps and four goals for Austria.
Tournament arranged with neo-Nazi celebrities
But there would be no more for the midfielder who was in inclement weather. APA news agency writes about mobile movies where Hinteregger acted drunk and made critical statements against former coaches.
However, the Austrian caused the biggest commotion when he arranged a soccer tournament in his homeland, dubbed the “Hente Cup”, with former neo-Nazi Heinrich Schiele.
Sikel was a board member of the right-wing populist party FBÖ until 2021 and during the 1990s he was part of the neo-Nazi organization Nationalistische Front.
‘Condemns right-wing populism’
Hinteriger defends himself against accusations that he is a xenophobe.
“A number of questions have been raised about my heroism, which I addressed with passion and with the best of intentions. Some emotional and perhaps unchosen words on my part caused outrage and I want to apologize for that. I am very sorry for that.”
The Austrian is clearly distancing himself from his fellow organizer.
“To be clear: I condemn right-wing populism and intolerant and inhumane ideas in the strongest possible way. Those who know me know this. Now I will get some distance and a chance to adjust my life. I am grateful that the club has given me the opportunity to take this step now.”
Martin Hinterger scored 14 goals and 138 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt.