Bochum hero Luthe announces retirement after dramatic Bundesliga play-off win
Andreas Luthe played a key role in Bochum's dramatic penalty shootout Bundesliga play-off win over Fortuna Düsseldorf on Monday.
After helping his youth club retain their Bundesliga status, the 37-year-old announced he's hanging up his gloves.
"That was my last game in professional football. If you look at it that way: It's no longer good for my heart either," said Luthe after the game.
"Now is the right time to stop - with my club," he added.
“I have 16 years of professional football behind me and have had a great career. I've benefited a lot from my teammates and coaches. There is no better time to say thank you. Now I look forward to whatever comes next.”
Luthe came through the youth ranks at Bochum before moving on to Augsburg, Union Berlin and Kaiserslautern before returning to where it all began in January 2024.
He played 91 games in the Bundesliga and 187 matches in the 2. Bundesliga.