Werder Bremen midfielder Christian Gross to retire at the end of the season

Gross came through the ranks at Werder but only broke into the first team in the 2019/2020 season and has made 75 Bundesliga appearances for the Green and Whites.

"This was an extremely difficult decision to make. I've played football for my whole life – that's what I'm known for," said the 35-year-old.

"It's definitely not a decision you can make overnight, but something that you think about for a long time. I came to the conclusion with my wife and family over the Christmas break that it was time for me to hang up my boots."

Meanwhile, Bremen managing director for sport Clemens Fritz has paid tribute to the veteran defensive midfielder.

"Grosso is a perfect example that a football journey isn't always linear. He has gone from a reserve player at the training camp to an established Bundesliga footballer who has taken on a very important role in our team on and off the pitch over the last few years. His absence will leave a huge gap in the dressing room in the summer. I've been very impressed by his development since he made the jump into the first team. He is living proof that development doesn't stop, even for a seasoned footballer. He deserves a lot of respect," expressed Fritz.

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