Former soccer player Mario Gomez has announced the end of his career. After the 1-3 defeat of VfB Stuttgart against Darmstadt 98, he confirmed in an interview with TV channel Sky that it was his last game as a professional footballer. Previously, the 34-year-old had still achieved the 1: 1 meanwhile, before the matchday, the Stuttgart team was determined to be promoted to the Bundesliga.
“It was my last mission for VfB after we screwed it up last year,” he said. “It has always been my dream to end my career here.”
After losing his regular place in the second half of the season, it had already been speculated that Gomez would not renew his expiring contract and end his career. In his substitution in the game against Darmstadt in the 82nd minute, the Stuttgart substitutes wore jerseys with the number 27 – Gomez ‘number on the stands.
In May 2004, Gomez celebrated his Bundesliga debut for VfB as an 18-year-old, and in 2007 he became German Champion with the club. In 2009 he moved to Bayern, with which he won the title again in 2010 and the top scorer in 2011 with 28 goals.
After he even won the triple of championship, DFB Cup and Champions League title with Bayern in 2013, he switched to AC Florenz. At Bayern he had little time left. He moved back to the Bundesliga in 2016 via Besiktas Istanbul and signed with VfL Wolfsburg. In January 2018, Gomez returned to his youth club and relegated to the second division in 2018/2019. With the resurgence he now says goodbye.
The top striker wants to remain loyal to football even after his active career, VfB is his first point of contact, he said. VfB board boss Thomas Hitzlsperger can also imagine such a commitment: “I believe that we as an association owe it to him and I would be delighted that someone with his experience and charisma will help VfB Stuttgart again.”
