Freiburg defender Manuel Gulde announces retirement from football | OneFootball

After 171 Bundesliga appearances, Freiburg defender Manuel Gulde will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season. The 34-year-old announced his retirement in a video message published on SCF social media channels. The Mannheim-native saw a promising career as a potential German international derailed by injuries, but remained a well-respected player in German footballing circles throughout his career.

Gulde came up through the Hoffenheim ranks and made his Bundesliga debut in 2010 at the age of 18 under mentor Ralf Rangnick. After representing Paderborn and Karlsruher SC in the 2. Bundesliga, he moved to Breisgau in the summer of 2016. He ended up scoring seven top flight goals for Freiburg in eight seasons.

Gulde was always known as a true “old school” centre-back. He was clever and effective in one-on-one situations and in his positioning and made few mistakes in his relatively risk-averse build-up play. Gulde always preferred to play a simple, safe pass rather than take risks or dribble boldly. Long-time SCF coach Christian Streich called upon him often.

Though back problems prevented him from making a single appearance under current SCF coach Julian Schuster, he was a mainstay last year. He made 36 appearances across all competitions. He played eight times in the Europa League, starting in all four knockout matches against Lens and West Ham United. He contributed a solid performance in the surprising 1-0 first-leg win against the Premier League club.

“I’ve had some very intense years,” Gulde remarked in his video message, “After such a long time, it’s enough for me now and I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life. It’s obviously tough when one doesn’t play a single game all season. Given the contrast with last season, I’m not leaving with a positive feeling.

”Looking back on my 16 years as a professional, I’m proud of how I always got through the tough times and dealt with the injuries,” Gulde continued. “Nine years being permitted to remain in Freiburg will not be taken for granted. Overall, it’s been a good career for me, and I can be proud of that.“

GGFN | Peter Weis