Cologne skipper Umit Ozat has retired from professional football with immediate effect.
Turkish full-back hangs up his boots
Cologne skipper Umit Ozat has retired from professional football with immediate effect.
The Turkey international has acted on medical advice after he collapsed during a game at Karlsruhe in August 2008.
The 32-year-old had recently made an effort to return to action, but has revealed that pursuing a career in the game has been deemed 'too risky' by doctors.
"This is fate and you cannot change it," said the defender.
"My career in the game is over, but I will start a new career that will be associated with football.
"I thank God for giving me a second chance. I was very proud to be the first Turkish player to captain a Bundesliga team. It is very sad that I will not play again."
Fighter
Cologne boss Michael Meier has also expressed his disappointment at seeing Ozat's career cut short.
"It's sad to see him retire at such a young age but we have been able to know a good person, a fighter and a really great guy," he said.
"I have to thank him for his contribution to our success. He has played a big part for us and we want to carry on working with him."
Ozat is expected to be awarded a post-season testimonial before joining the coaching staff at Rhein Energie Stadion.
