By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Former Augsburg captain Daniel Baier opens up on decision to retire from football

Daniel Baier has reflected on his decision to retire from football.
Willi Orban and Daniel Baier.
Willi Orban and Daniel Baier.Photo: GEPA Pictures/Sven Sonntag
On Wednesday, former Augsburg captain Daniel Baier announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.

In an interview with Sport1, Baier has opened up on his decision to hang up his boots.

"At the age of 36, I have been playing football for an extraordinarily long time," said Baier, who had his contract with Augsburg terminated by mutual consent a few months ago.

"The question arose whether I should look for something else. But it was clear to me relatively quickly that FCA were to be my last stop in Germany. So I decided that was it."

Asked if he considered going abroad, Baier responded:

"I thought about it for a little while. It would have been a completely new experience for me, but I came to realize that I didn't really feel like having such an adventure," he said.

"My second daughter has just started school, so I didn't want to move away to play football for a year. To end my career was a decision for the family as well."

Baier made 355 appearances for Augsburg, racking up eight goals and 25 assists.

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