Former Germany international Stefan Reinartz retires

Eintracht Frankfurt' s defensive midfielder Stefan Reinartz has announced his retirement from professional soccer, the "Eagles" confirmed on Friday.

The 27-year-old midfielder informed coach Niko Kovac and sporting director Bruno Huebner about his immediate retirement, despite a running contract, due to "health problems" .

"My past three years as a soccer player have been characterized by many injuries and thus disappointments," said Reinartz in an official statement. "After the last three injuries within six months I have no longer the conviction that is the right way to continue in the coming years. I see it as my responsibility to the club, to my teammates and all the supporters to make this decision. I have communicated the club my desire to end my career."

The former Germany international, who made three caps, played for Bayer Leverkusen, Nuremberg and Eintracht Frankfurt to mark 12 goals in 163 Bundesliga appearances overall.

"We want to thank Stefan for his performances and honesty. His honesty speaks for his character. We wish him all the best for his future career," Frankfurt' s sporting director Bruno Huebner said.

Frankfurt ensured another season in Germany' s top flight after beating Nuremberg 2-1 on aggregate in the relegation/promotion play off on Monday.