Tony Jantschke to retire from professional football

Tony Jantschke will hang up his boots at the end of the current season. The 34-year-old, who first joined Gladbach in 2006, will remain at the club in a non-playing capacity.

A 16-year-old Jantschke made the switch to Borussia from FV Dresden-Nord in 2006 and spent the two following seasons in Gladbach’s academy. His impressive performances at youth level earned him a spot in the first-team squad and he made his Bundesliga debut for the Foals in November 2008 against Energie Cottbus. He is the longest-serving member of Borussia’s current squad and will retire in the summer after almost 18 years at the club.

New role as part of the coaching staff

“It is with a feeling of great pride that I share with you that my journey as a Borussia player will come to an end this summer,” stated Jantschke. “I’ve always tried to be authentic, frank and committed, as well as put everything, including my body, on the line when I’m playing. It goes without saying that this has started to take its toll, as the past few years have been characterised by ups and downs, operations and rehabilitation. I’ve tried to be the best teammate I can possibly be in spite of that, be it through cheering the boys on, lending them an ear, or even telling some bad jokes.”

“In the nearly two decades that Tony has been at Borussia, he’s given his all for the club on and off the pitch. His journey from academy talent to seasoned pro is a shining example of what we want to allow young players to do here at Gladbach,” said the Foals’ managing director for sport, Roland Virkus. “That’s why we’re over the moon that Tony will become a part of the coaching staff in the near future to watch over the young talent in the first-team squad, as well as in the youth academy. He’ll be able to pass on his experience and mental character to future generations of players.”

“Fußballgott” thankful for “great honour”

Jantschke has made 301 competitive appearances for Borussia in his 16 years as a professional footballer, scoring five goals and registering seven assists. The defender has played 248 games in the Bundesliga, 20 matches in the DFB-Pokal with a further 33 coming on the European stage. “I’d like to say thank you to everyone involved with Borussia Mönchengladbach, as the club has given me the opportunity to achieve more than I ever could have dreamed of, as well as the chance to build on this success after my retirement,” said Jantschke.

Jantschke gave special thanks to the fans, who have given him the title of “Fußballgott” over the course of his time at the club. “The only reason the Borussia family has grown to be such a big, passionate community, is because we’re all united through our passion for the club. That’s why I want to show my appreciation to the fans who have stuck with the club and who have also supported me through thick and thin. They’ve created an association between my name and something very special, too. I’d like to thank them for such a great honour.”