Tom Mickel calls time on his playing career

HSV goalkeeper Tom Mickel has called time on his playing career after 18 years. The 36-year-old spent 13 years in total at the club (from 2009 to 2012 and since 2015) and became a real fan favourite during this period. “Promotion and the scenes afterwards were the perfect end to Tom’s playing career. Hardly any professional has embodied team spirit, dedication and energy in every single training session and off the pitch over the years quite like Tom,” praised director of professional football Claus Costa. “His shoulder problems have forced him to end his career. Tom has always been an important part of our squad, so the door to HSV will always be open to him.”

Mickel, who came through FC Energie Cottbus’ academy and has been in Hamburg since 2009 (aside from a spell at SpVgg Greuther Fürth from 2012-15), played six competitive games for HSV’s first team and 111 for the reserves. He was also an unused substitute on 164 occasions. After announcing his retirement, the 36-year-old commented: “My persistent shoulder problems mean that I’m no longer capable of another season as a professional footballer. It obviously saddens me, but at the same time I can now look back on an extremely emotional journey at HSV with lots of gratitude. The scenes after the Ulm game and the promotion party at the Rathausmarkt together with the fans were particularly memorable moments. Seeing everybody with a smile on their face was the perfect way to end this long journey. That experience will connect us all forever. I now want to enjoy some time with my family in the coming weeks and take the opportunity to think about my future in peace. Nur der HSV!”