STRUNZ RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL

He was given a free transfer by Bayern Munich last month and has said that he now feels that it is time to call it a day.

"My time has come, it is over," said Strunz. "I will never play professional football again."

The 32-year-old told German televsion channel ZDF that since he was told he could leave Bayern, the situation became more than he could take.

"The longer the situation went on, the more it became clear to me that I would not like to play anymore. I am glad I have made the decision now."

Strunz, who spent an unsuccessful week on trial with Premiership strugglers Manchester City, won 41 international caps and was part of the German squad that won Euro 1996 in England.

At home, he played 235 times in the Bundesliga and his name appeared on the scoresheet 33 times.

Meanwhile, another Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Wiesinger, has said that he will be joining city rivals 1860 Munich at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has wanted to leave for a long time, and although he does nothave to leave , has said that the deal will go through as soon as the clubs agree a fee.

"Everything is arranged between the club and me, so when both clubs reach an agreement, nothing stands in the way of the transfer," said Wiesinger.