The defensive midfielder’s contract has been “cancelled by mutual consent,” the club said. Baier joined Augsburg in the 2008-09 season and played 335 competitive games for the club.

“The season was more than unusual – for us all – thanks to coronavirus,” Baier said. “The club had some thinking to do during this time, as did I. For me it’s a chance to embark on another adventure at the end of my career, because I feel bodily extremely fit.”

A farewell match is planned for Baier, though there is as yet no fixed date for it.

“Daniel Baier came to Augsburg in the second-division days, was promoted with the team in 2011 and has played the most Bundesliga games for our club,” general manager Stefan Reuter said. “But it was clear to him and to us that, at 36 years old, he won’t be able to pull on his boots forever.”