A 22-year-old Swiss midfielder, Silvan Wallner, has announced retirement from professional football.

Wallner cited his desire to follow Jesus Christ as the reason for his retirement.

DAILY POST reports that the defender, who started his career in 2020 with FC Zurich, has accumulated over 100 appearances, playing for two other clubs, Wil and BW Linz, where he signed a two-year contract in September.

Wallner in a statement released by Blau-Weiß Linz, said: “I’m a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.

“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and the biblical day of rest has become important to me. This means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.

“This is my personal conviction, I’m not yet a member of any church. I say a big thank you to people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”

He was part of the Swiss U21 national team as recently as October, with last appearance in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.

‘I want to follow Jesus’ – 22-year-old Swiss footballer announces retirement