Hässler released by 1860

TSV 1860 München will release former German international midfield player Thomas Hässler at the end of the season.

Gifted veteran
The gifted veteran has been told that he no longer has a role at the Bundesliga club after four years at the Olympiastadion. "In May, Hässler will be 37," said club chairman Karl-Heinz Wildmoser. "Then the time for professional sport is over."

Playing on
However, the diminutive player who earned 101 caps for West Germany and the reunited Germany, has pledged to defy the years and play on. "No matter where, I simply want to play football," said Hässler, who was voted player of the tournament at the 1992 UEFA European Championship, and was described by West Germany legend Günter Netzer as "one of the world's most perfect players".

International honours
Born in Berlin, Hässler started his career at 1. FC Köln in 1984, developing his game under coach Christoph Daum. He made his debut for West Germany in 1988, and was a FIFA World Cup winner in 1990.

Italian sojourn
Having moved from Köln to Juventus FC for €7.8m in 1990, the midfield player moved on to AS Roma after just one season and played alongside his international team-mate Rudi Völler. However, he returned to Germany in the 1994/95 season to join Karlsruher SC.

Injury problems
Moving to BV Borussia Dortmund in 1998, Hässler fell foul of then coach Thomas Skibbe and was relegated to the substitutes' bench, prompting a move to 1860 at the end of the season. However, injury was to haunt his time at his new club, and he has made only 18 appearances in his four seasons in Munich.