Germany and Frankfurt's farewell to Prinz

The most-capped European footballer in history, Birgit Prinz, was saluted with a farewell match last night between the German national team and her long-time club 1. FFC Frankfurt.

A total of 6,543 spectators packed Frankfurt's Am Bornheimer Hang home to celebrate the 34-year-old, who ended her career last summer following Germany's FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final exit, which she watched from the bench. With a UEFA record 214 caps and 128 goals, she won two World Cups and five European titles with Germany, as well as a record three UEFA Women's Cups for Frankfurt. She added two more goals to her tally in Germany's 6-3 defeat of Frankfurt, her last on 84 minutes followed by her departure to a standing ovation.

Prinz said: "I had a super time with lots of beautiful moments, and I have had a nice career. It was a wonderful evening, a great game. I really enjoyed seeing so many of my former team-mates and being able to say goodbye to the crowd."

German Football Association (DFB) president Wolfgang Niersbach added: "What Birgit Prinz did for women's football is unique. She has put her mark on her sport, especially with her performances, and did so far beyond German borders. Birgit Prinz is a mark of quality in the entire world. She is one of the biggest ambassadors the DFB has ever had. With her successes she has set new standards which will be very hard to reach."

It seems likely that football has not seen the last of Prinz. Currently, the qualified psychologist is working with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, where she also trains several times a week. "I don't quite know where my path will lead me," Prinz said. "I can envision a mixture of sports psychology and sports management."