Basel 'role model' Streller announces retirement

Former Swiss international forward Marco Streller has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the campaign after eight and a half seasons with FC Basel 1893.

His debut for FCB, as a substitute in 2001, could have been an extract from a fairy tale – if there hadn't been one twisted detail. Streller scored with his first effort, a minute from time, but unfortunately for him he put the ball into the wrong net. However, that own goal was neither detrimental to the eventual result – a 3-1 home success against Servette FC – nor for his career.

After early loan spells with FC Concordia Basel and FC Thun, the striker went on to become a key player, captain and the second most successful goalscorer in his side's history. He has won eight Super League titles during two stints at Basel. Some even consider him part of the club's soul. Come this summer, though, Basel will have to find a way to dominate Swiss football without Streller's goals, experience and wisdom in the dressing room.

"I'm a person who makes his decisions based on his emotions. For a striker, 34 [which the No9 will be on 18 June] is quite the age," said Streller during today's press conference. "I am no longer 100% convinced that I can keep up next season. I always wanted to end my career as a regular and not on the bench."

Born in Basel, Streller's days at local team FC Aesch were accompanied by one aim: "As a boy I had that huge dream of playing for FC Basel. To be part of the club's history makes me proud and is touching. In my eyes, I can look back on a dream career."

The former VfB Stuttgart and 1. FC Köln marksman has become a role model at the Rot-Blauen – or "identification figure" as they would say in Switzerland. "He leaves a gap which won't be easy to fill," said president Bernhard Heusler. "He embodied the values of the club and was always a role model." Fittingly, the entire squad were present as Streller announced his forthcoming departure.

It wasn't the only nice gesture on a memorable day at St. Jakob-Park – in tribute, journalists handed the 37-times-capped attacker a bottle of wine from the Vatican. The grapes for this vintage had been harvested when Streller returned to Basel in 2007. As he now plans "a long, deserved holiday" with his family, surely such a beverage will serve handily when he reflects on his career.

Streller's top five UEFA moments in UEFA competitions

Basel 2-1 Manchester United FC, 07/12/11: Scores the opener as the Swiss side claim a famous home victory which eliminates the Red Devils from the UEFA Champions League.

Basel 1-0 FC Bayern München, 22/02/12: Captains the team as they earn a famous round of 16 first-leg success against the German giants in the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea FC 1-2 Basel, 18/09/13: Hits the winner nine minutes from time at Stamford Bridge to spoil José Mourinho's return to the UEFA Champions League with the Londoners.

FC Salzburg 1-2 Basel, 20/03/14: A goal and a man down, the Swiss champions reach the UEFA Europa League last eight thanks to strikes by Streller and Gastón Sauro.

Basel 1-0 Liverpool FC, 01/10/2014: Helps FCB return to winning ways in the elite competition with the decisive goal following a 5-1 reverse at Real Madrid CF on matchday one.