“The moment I realized I would not be able to play any more was by far the most bitter moment of my career,” the midfielder told a news conference on Wednesday.

“It’s a pretty tough step, but the right one, 15 years of professional football have left their mark,” he added.

Khedira has played 77 games for the German national team and was part of the squad who secured the World Cup title in Brazil in 2014. He scored a goal during the iconic 7-1 semi-final against the hosts.

At club level, the midfielder won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2014 and the Italian Serie A title five times with Juventus. He also clinched the Bundesliga title in 2007 with VfB Stuttgart.

Since January, Khedira has been playing for Hertha and will have his final professional game at Hoffenheim.

His career has suffered repeated setbacks during the past few years, however, due to several injuries.