Shkodran Mustafi has announced he is retiring from football and is set to join the Germany U17s setup.
Mustafi spent a large chunk of his playing career at Arsenal, for whom he made 151 appearances from 2016 to 2021.
The centre-back, who won the World Cup with Germany a decade ago, last played for Spanish side Levante but was released in July.
Mustafi has now revealed his retirement aged 32 and the German FA have announced he will become their new U17s assistant coach.
“I’ve been thinking about gaining experience as a coach for a while,” he said in a statement. “On the one hand, it’s a shame that it’s coming so soon because I would have liked to have played football myself for longer.
“On the other hand, I’m really looking forward to the time ahead and to taking my first steps as a coach at the DFB. I want to pass on all the experience I’ve gained during my time with the U15s, U21s and of course with the senior national team to the boys.”
Kai Kruger, Germany’s head of their junior national sides, added: “We are convinced that he can become a great coach.
“We want to accompany him on this path. By signing him, we remain true to our philosophy of developing not only players but also coaches.
“In our discussions, we felt Shkodran’s passion for imparting his experiences right from the start. He lives football – in a new role in the future, in our team!”
Mustafi won the U17 Euros with Germany before earning 20 caps for the senior side, with three of those came during their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil.
His career kickstarted at Everton after he was signed for their academy and he made only one appearance for the senior side.
The defender then spent two-and-a-half years at Sampdoria before signing for Spanish giants Valencia after winning the World Cup.
Mustafi’s efforts caught the eye of Arsenal and he returned to England in 2016, winning two FA Cups with the Gunners.
He left north London five years later for Schalke but spent just seven months at the club ahead of his spell at Levante that was plagued by injuries.
However, he is now set for a swift return to football as he looks to help develop Germany’s next crop of young talent.
News Summary:
- Ex-Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi retires and immediately lands new job
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.