SALZBURG, Austria - Austria international Franz Schiemer has announced his retirement because of persistent injuries, saying Sunday's domestic league game with Salzburg against Rapid Vienna will be his last match.
The 28-year-old defender, who played 25 times for the national team, had several head injuries in recent years and has had groin problems lately.
Schiemer says "I am not as resilient anymore and it's against my character to play football without giving 100 per cent."
The centre back wore a head guard when he came on as a substitute in the closing minutes of Salzburg's Europa League game against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday.
Schiemer previously played for Ried and Austria Vienna, and helped Salzburg win three national championships since joining the club in 2009.
