Gladbach's Herrmann retires from football

Thirty-three-year-old winger Patrick Herrmann has officially confirmed that he will hang up his cleats when his current deal with the only club he's ever represented professionally expires at the end of the season. Retirement very much appeared to be in the cards for the veteran of 16 years with Gladbach. Herrmann has made just six appearances as a sub for Gerardo Seoane's Fohlenelf this year. 

Herrmann has played 418 competitive matches for the Foals to date. According to the club, only Berti Vogts (538), Uwe Kamps (518), Herbert Wimmer (469) and Wolfgang Kleff (430) have made more appearances in BMG history. The Saarbrücken-native has not featured as a starter since November of 2021, setting a Bundesliga record for 36 appearances without a start in the process. 

"Health-wise, I must concede a fight after very careful consideration," Herrmann wrote to his fans on his Instagram page, "Even though I will soon no longer be on the pitch, I hope that you will always remember me fondly as your number 7 with all the goosebump moments from the relegation to the Champions League. The love for our Borussia will remain a part of my life forever."

"We are extremely pleased that he will remain with the club in the future and contribute his passion for the club on an administrative level," BMG sporting director Roland Virkus added in a club-released statement, "Patrick has been a Borussian for almost 16 years and undertaken a very impressive journey with us."

Herrmann is one of two underutilized Gladbach veterans currently sitting on expiring contracts. It is widely anticipated that 34-year-old defender Tony Jantschke - who has also not represented another club over his 16-year-professional career - will announce his retirement soon. Virkus hinted that both Herrmann and Jantschke will be honored at the end of the season and given front office jobs whilst speaking at a Monday club meeting.