Former Germany defender Jansen retires at 29

The left-back has surprisingly opted to quit rather than play for another team despite his tender years

Former Germany defender Marcell Jansen has announced his retirement from professional football following his release by Hamburg.
Jansen, 29, spent seven seasons with the Lower Saxony club and also represented Borussia Monchengladbach and Bayern Munich in a distinguished career that saw him earn 45 caps for his country.
However, in an exclusive interview with Bild, he revealed his decision to hang up his boots, citing a belief that he could not fully commit to representing a new club.
"I've been thinking a lot," said Jansen. "There were great offers. But, for me, moving on is not an option.
"I could not play somewhere for two or three years where I do not stand behind it 100 per cent.
"I can't suddenly kiss another badge now."
Jansen last represented Germany as recently as March 2014, starting a 1-0 friendly win over Chile, and was included in Joachim Low's provisional World Cup squad.
However, he did not make the final party as Germany went on to be crowned world champions in Brazil.