Charlotte Football Club captain Christian Fuchs retires from professional football

CHARLOTTE, NC (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — FC Charlotte captain Christian Fuchs announced Thursday his retirement from professional soccer after 19 seasons.

Fuchs, 36, has played for seven teams in four different countries during his career. He won the 2015/2016 Premier League with Leicester City and captained the Austrian team at Euro 2016.

“It’s been an incredible journey for me and my family. Not only have we had great success over the years, but we’ve also been able to learn from some amazing people along the way,” said Fuchs. “I am very grateful for all the support I have received throughout my career from the club’s representatives, my teammates and the fans. I look back with a big smile on special moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Charlotte Football Club athletic director Zoran Crneta said Fuchs leaves behind an “incredible legacy.”

“We are grateful to have a player of his caliber lead our locker room as captain to create a positive winning culture in our first season. He was important to us with his performances on the field, but more importantly he helped lay an important foundation that will help this club be successful for many years to come.”

Fuchs made 27 appearances for FC Charlotte in his first season, scoring three goals.

The club said he will remain in Charlotte in an undisclosed role with FC Charlotte.