World Cup winner Andre Schurrle announces shock retirement aged 29

BREAKING: World Cup winner Andre Schurrle announces shock retirement aged 29

Former World Cup winner Andre Schurrle has announced his shock retirement from football aged just 29.

The ex-Chelsea star left Borussia Dortmund after cancelling his contract on Wednesday and was expected to look for a new club.

But the 57-cap Germany international, who helped them to World Cup glory just six years ago in Brazil, has opted to hang up his boots.

Schurrle told Der Spiegel : "The decision matured in me for a long time" before saying that: "the depths became deeper and the highlights less and less".

Schurrle still had one year left on his contract with Dortmund when the deal was cancelled this week.

He was linked with moves to China, Turkey or elsewhere before the left-field announcement he has given up the sport.

"Looking back, it's been a time with a lot of ups and downs, and a valuable experience, both in the sporting sense but also privately," Schurrle said in a statement on the club's official website.

"I'd like to thank the club's bosses and wish the club and its special fans all the best for the future."

The playmaker came through the ranks at Mainz before making his major breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen