Goodbye Basti

Deisler is quitting football because of his continual knee problems:

Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler has announced his retirement from football at the age of 27 after a string of knee problems.

Deisler missed the 2006 World Cup after undergoing a fifth operation on his knee and he has also suffered from depression throughout his career.

"I no longer have any real faith in my knee. It's been an ordeal," he said.

"I can no longer play with the right level of enjoyment and I don't do anything by halves."....

....Deisler missed much of the 2003-04 season to have treatment for depression but looked to be in better mental shape and back to his best when he returned.

But another knee injury, which he suffered in training in 2006, ended his chances of playing in last year's World Cup and, although he made a handful of appearances this season, he decided it was time to quit.

"I don't understand his decision at all," said Bayern manager Uli Hoeness.

"If he feels in condition at some time in the future he can always come back."

Shame really as he was a great player to watch, one of the highlights of the German league in the rare moments he wasnt injured or down. Always seemed like a nice guy to me, even if he did play for Hertha BSC and do military service, appearing in the press in a German uniform.

Source BBC Sport