Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender to retire at the end of the season

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender and his brother Lars will retire at the end of the season after deciding not to renew their contracts with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Bender brothers have been ever-present in German football since breaking through in 2006 with 1860 Munich. But after struggling with injury troubles over the last few years, the duo have made the decision to hang up their boots at the end of the season. In a joint statement Sven and Lars Bender said in a statement that the decision wasn’t easy, but they knew they wouldn’t be able to perform at the highest level beyond the end of the season as a result of all the injuries they have suffered from over the years.

"“Everyone who knows us knows that we give 100% every day. That was always the basic requirement for us. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to continuously deliver this with all the pain and physical problems from which we are suffering more and more.”"

Sven Bender joined Borussia Dortmund from 1860 Munich in 2009, and went on to make 224 appearances for the club over an eight year spell. He won two Bundesliga titles and two DFB-Pokals with the Black and Yellows before joining his brother Lars at Bayer Leverkusen in 2017.

Lars Bender moved to Bayer Leverkusen in the same year, and has been at the club since. He has made 337 appearances for Leverkusen over the last 11 years.

Ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s DFB Pokal clash against Eintracht Braunschweig, sporting director Michael Zorc said that he was surprised to hear about the decision, but heaped praise on the Bender brothers.

"“Both are actually still at a good age to perform at their best,” Zorc said. “But they have always had to struggle with injuries. Of course, I have a closer connection with Sven, but Lars is also impeccable in character. I am very surprised by the news. It’s a shame.”"

Sven and Lars Bender have both been the epitome of professionalism over the course of their Bundesliga careers. Their fighting spirit, tireless running, commitment and courage helped them achieve great success at Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. And they will be sorely missed in the Bundesliga from next season.