Heidenheim vice-captain Norman Terkauf announced on Monday that he will officially retire after the end of this season. He will then serve as the head coach of Heidenheim U15 and continue to devote himself to the club's construction.

The 38-year-old Norman Terkauf mainly plays as a defensive midfielder, but can also play as a left back, center back, etc. He has played for Werder Bremen II, Frankfurt II and Braunschweig, and made his Bundesliga debut for Braunschweig on August 10, 2013.

In July 2015, Terkov joined Heidenheim as a free agent. To date, he has made 274 appearances for Heidenheim, contributing 5 goals and 15 assists, and has served as vice-captain since the 2018/19 season.

In his retirement statement, Heidenheim chairman of the board Holger Sonnwald said: "As a professional player of Heidenheim, Norman Ter Erkauf has been deeply involved in and promoted the team's success for ten years. His dedication and loyalty are also exemplary. That is why we are so eager to keep Norman in the club."

He added: "We are very happy that Norman has decided to continue to entrust his future to Heidenheim and wish him a good start in the Hartmann Youth Training Center after his retirement."

Ter Erkauf said: "After many years of fulfilling and wonderful professional football career, I am grateful for everything I experienced as a player. In particular, the ten years at Heidenheim were a particularly special time for me. I am proud of the journey of my career and I am grateful to all my teammates, coaches, staff and fans who have been with me along the way."

"I am very happy and looking forward to continuing to play for Heidenheim at the Hartmann Youth Center from next season. I also hope to pass on the knowledge and experience I have gained in my professional career to the young talents in the team," he concluded.