Cologne star Florian Kainz announced in a statement on Wednesday that he will officially retire at the end of this season.

In his retirement statement, Kainz wrote emotionally: "25 years ago, I started my football journey as a little boy. At that time, I could never have imagined where it would lead me: promotion, relegation, championship titles, the European Championship, European nights, tears of joy and disappointment. In short: football has given me everything. Most importantly, it has given me unparalleled joy."

"However, every journey eventually comes to an end. This summer, I will be saying goodbye to football. But the end of a journey often means a new beginning: I look forward to spending more time with my family and friends in the future."

"Until then, I will do everything in my power to help the club achieve our goals."

"Dear football, thank you for everything you've given me."

The 33-year-old Kainz primarily plays as a left winger, but can also play as a left midfielder, attacking midfielder, right winger, central midfielder, and right midfielder. He began his professional career on August 13, 2010, in the first round of the Austrian Cup with Sturm Graz, and subsequently played for Rapid Vienna, Werder Bremen, and FC Köln.

To date, Kainz has made 467 club appearances, including 12 in the Europa League, 5 in the Europa League, 163 in the Austrian Bundesliga, and 196 in the Bundesliga. He has also scored 72 goals and provided 95 assists, and won an Austrian Bundesliga title with his team.

As for the national team, Kainz has made 28 appearances for Austria since his debut in November 2015, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

For Cologne, Kainz's retirement decision is deeply regrettable. During his seven and a half years with Cologne, he not only delivered a respectable performance with 202 appearances, 28 goals, and 41 assists across all competitions, but was also a key contributor to the team's two promotions to the top flight.

As Kainz's former teammate, Cologne's general manager Thomas Kessler spoke highly of him: "Kainz and I used to sit together in the locker room. A long time has passed since then. In his seven and a half years with Cologne, he experienced countless unforgettable moments. From the first day he joined, he had a 100% sense of belonging and identification with the club, and he became more and more like a Cologne person."

"His sporting achievements speak for themselves: over 200 official matches, crucial goals, and outstanding performances. Kainz has earned everything he has at FC Köln through his own hard work. That's why we must do everything we can to ensure a successful season and give him the farewell he deserves."

Cologne currently sits 14th in the Bundesliga with 24 points from 6 wins, 6 draws, and 13 losses, just 4 points above the relegation zone. In response, Kainz issued a statement saying, "This has been an incredible journey. After 25 years of fighting, I will be retiring from football this summer. Thank you all very much. One thing is clear: I hope to end my career in the Bundesliga. I will give it my all until the very last moment – that would be the best farewell gift for me!"

Image source: Internet/Cologne official website