Striker Meier to leave Frankfurt after 14 years

Eintracht Frankfurt will not extend the contract of veteran Alexander Meier, the club announced in an official statement.

Alexander Meier and Eintracht Frankfurt have mutually agreed not to extend their cooperation beyond the expiring contract in June 2018, it was announced on Monday, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Alexander Meier's contract is scheduled to expire on June 30 and will not be extended. The management and the player mutually agreed," Frankfurt's statement read.

The striker played since summer 2004 for Frankfurt and made overall 336 appearances to provide 119 goals and 47 assists. He just recently clinched the German Cup with the "Eagles" after beating Bayern Munich 3-1 in the final.

"Of course we know that many fans would like to see Alex wearing Frankfurt's jersey in the years to come. However, we have to say that we want to change things and give young players a chance," Frankfurt's sporting director Fredi Bobic said.

The 35-year-old will not resign from professional football, as he just returned from a long injury break.

"Eintracht Frankfurt was my home for over 14 years and it always meant a lot to me to play for this club. Everyone knows that I would like to continue playing here. Of course I respect the decision of the club. I feel in shape, have worked very hard for my comeback and I want to keep playing football. That is the most important thing for me," Meier said.

The "Eagles" completed the Bundesliga season 2017/18 in the eighth place in the standings.

--IANS

gau/bg