Due to his desire to “follow Jesus Christ” and respect the Sabbath, Swiss player Silvan Wallner announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 22.
Since beginning his professional career with FC Zurich in 2020, the young defender has made over 100 appearances for Wil and BW Linz, where he inked a two-year deal in September.
“I read the Bible and I am a devoted Christian,” Wallner stated in a statement issued by Blau-Weiß Linz. I am in charge of my own life decisions.
“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.
“As a footballer, this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.
“This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days. I am not yet a member of any church.
“I say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”
Wallner has played 5 times for Blau-Weiß Linz this season, with his last game a 1-2 defeat against TSV Hartberg at the end of October.
Additionally, Wallner was part of the Swiss U21 national team as recently as October, with his last appearance coming in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.
