( kindee1688 )34-year-old midfielder Lewis Holtby will fight to help Holstein Kiel survive in the Bundesliga before leaving the club this summer. kindee1688

Holstein Kiel captain Lewis Holtby has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season, but it remains unclear whether the 34-year-old will continue playing or call time on his career, Sport1 reported on Sunday. 

Holtby joined Holstein Kiel from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2021, helping the club to promotion to the Bundesliga this season and recently celebrated his 100th appearance for the club, succeeding Filip Sander as captain after he joined Borussia Mönchengladbach last summer.

However, the decision has been criticised, with Holtby not being a regular under coach Marcel Rapp, having started just 12 of 25 games this season. 

“First of all, I would like to thank everyone involved for the trusting relationship and the respectful discussions,” Holtby said. “For me, it was very important to include the club in my plans early on and because of that, it was clear to everyone. That’s why I went to the people in charge and told them I wanted to do something new and not renew my (expiring) contract.”

‘I want to put this behind me and focus fully on our common goal (avoiding relegation). At the end of the season, I will always remember my time at Kiel as one of the most enjoyable parts of my career.’

Sporting director Carsten Wehlmann said: ‘We have trusted Lewis for quite some time. Now he has made a decision for himself and his family, which we naturally respect. This open approach is proof of mutual respect and the professionalism that Lewis has. Lewis’s commitment and attitude make him a role model for everyone. ‘

‘He has set the tone for success in recent years. His performances on the pitch and his leadership in the dressing room are among the names that the club will forever hold. Now it’s time for us to focus on our shared goal of avoiding relegation.’ ( kindee1688 )