Bode calls it a day

Marco Bode has announced his retirement from football at 33. Bode, who who was part of Germany's team in the FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan, announced his decision today following his failure to secure a move abroad.

'A hard decision'
Bode's contract at SV Werder Bremen, his only club, ran out this summer and a desired switch to England failed to materialise. "I wanted to live in London for some years, but my talks came to no result, so I decided to quit", Bode said. "It was a hard decision for me to hang up my boots, but now I am happy, that my situation is clear. I am now looking forward to new challenges in my life."

Final bow
Bode began his professional career in 1988 at Bremen and played 379 matches in the 1. Bundesliga, scoring 101 goals. He made his 40th and final appearance for Germany in the World Cup final against Brazil.