Bernd Schneider, nicknamed the “white Brazilian” due to his outstanding technical skills, has asked his club Bayer 04 Leverkusen to cancel his contract. The Bundesliga-club agreed to the request of Bernd Schneider, who has played 81 international games wearing the German black and white. The 35-year-old Schneider suffered a severe spinal injury in April 2008. Following 398 days of intense rehabilitation and his eventual return for a few minutes to the Bundesliga. He is recommended to end his professional career.
“Since the accident, I have had health problems . Now I’m forced to listen to the advice of my doctors”, says a disappointed Schneider, who played in 263 Bundesliga-games for Bayer 04 Leverkusen since 1999 and scored 35 goals. “The decision was a very difficult one for me. But I’m a family father and I have responsibilities to consider, so I had to listen to the doctors”, Schneider adds.
Joachim Löw, coach of the German national football team, says: “So many good performances came to my mind, when I heard that Bernd Schneider has to end his career. He had been a key player in our national team over such a long time. His play elevated our team to a different level. Fans will never forget his outstanding performance at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, none better than during the final against Brazil. Then of course, the World Cup 2006 in Germany – I’m sure he’ll never forget that unique summer.” Löw emphasizes: “His footballing skills and his surprising midfield solo-runs have been of enormous importance to our team. He always was a team leader, on and off the pitch. He has many intangible qualities. It’s a pity that he had to suffer such a severe injury. I will forever remain thankful for his exemplary conduct on our team and I wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”
Michael Ballack, captain of the German national team and a close friend of Schneider, says: “What a pity! The national team loses not only an outstanding football player, but also an outstanding personality. I would have liked nothing more than the chance to play one more major tournament with ‘Schnix’. Now that is impossible. I sincerely regret that.”
Rudi Völler, sporting director of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, says: “Bernd is an excellent football player, who enchanted us with his play. He is such a humble and down-to-earth person and I wish him all the best for his future.”
A farewell game for Bernd Schneider in the new “BayArena” is in preparation, with more details to be released. Bernd Schneider will start several advisory functions in the management of “Bayer 04 Fußball GmbH” soon.
[DFB.de]
Germany’s coach Joachim Löw and Bernd Schneider reached an agreement over a telephone conversation on Friday, that Schneider will not be a member of the German roster for the EURO 2008.
The 34-year old Schneider had been operated on his spinal disc last Friday. Schneider and Löw opted to follow the advice of Leverkusen’s medical staff, that the experienced midfielder should not return to practice before next season.
“Obviously, I am very disappointed, but health should always be the overriding priority”, said Schneider. “Who knows, there’s a World Cup being played in two years. But right now, I focus strictly on my recuperation.”
Following their telephone call, Joachim Löw said: “Bernd is such an experienced player and at the same time a brilliant technician. His injury really hurts our team. We refused to take him off the roster following his spinal operation, because we wanted to wait a few days. But today we have to accept that not performing at the EURO just gives him a much better chance to return quickly to his former capacities.”
