Source: Jacob Kupferman / Getty
Christian Fuchs, Charlotte FC’s first captain for its inaugural campaign, called it a career on Wednesday, announcing his retirement after 19 years of professional soccer.
“It has been an incredible journey for me and my family. Not only did we celebrate great success throughout the years, but we have also been able to learn from amazing people during this journey,” said Fuchs in a statement provided by Charlotte FC. “I am so thankful for all the support I received during my career from club representatives, my teammates, and the fans. I am looking back with a big smile on the special moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Fuchs came to Charlotte after six seasons competing for Leicester City in the English Premier League, where he and his teammates overcame the 5000-to-1 odds to win the 15-16 Premier League title.
He played 27 matches in a Charlotte FC kit, scoring three goals all from the penalty spot.
He also established roots in the Carolinas, along with his own beer line at Resident Culture, No Fuchs Given, a pale lager which stands as an homage to his larger branding.
Fuchs also spent time with three different clubs in Germany’s Bundesliga, including Schalke 04. He made 78 international appearances for his native Austria, scoring one goal in a friendly against Greece in 2010.
“Christian is leaving behind an incredible legacy both on and off the field, and his impressive 19-year career speaks for itself,” said Charlotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta in a statement. “We are thankful to have had a player of his caliber lead our locker room as captain to build a positive, winning culture in our inaugural season. He was important for us with his performances on the field, but more importantly he has helped lay a critical foundation that will help this Club be successful for many years to come.”
The 36-year-old will continue to live stateside, splitting his time between Charlotte and his home in New York. Charlotte FC says he will join the club in an expanded role yet to be announced.
