Burgstaller before Career End: "You know, time is running out now"
Guido Burgstaller is soon to experience some farewell moments in the football jersey of SK Rapid. The 36-year-old striker, who has announced his retirement, will face champion Sturm Graz for the last time in a home game on Sunday and will be bid farewell by his club for the first time. "A small burden has been lifted from me because it wasn't a rash decision, but a conscious one that matured over a longer period," Burgstaller said on Friday.
A week later, the former Austrian national team player will have his final appearance in Salzburg. A European Cup play-off duel with LASK or Hartberg is intended to serve as an addition to Burgstaller's long career, but this still needs to be achieved. "I hope we can successfully complete the last few weeks," said the Carinthian, who is currently enjoying every training session. "I'm trying to soak up every moment. It's something special again because you know time is running out now. In that sense, you develop a different awareness."
Over 200 Appearances
For the forward, who will play his 211th match for Rapid against Sturm, it was not an easy step. "Sunday was such a classic sign. You start again. You win, you score a goal. That's the derby. Of course, you will always miss such games," Burgstaller referred to the 2-1 victory against Wiener Austria. "There is no better job." But he is glad about his current health status - not a given after the severe head injuries following a physical attack in Vienna in December.
His last head coach, Stefan Kulovits, was also pleased that Burgstaller could make the decision independently. "Half a year ago, it wasn't clear whether someone might have made the decision for him, and no one knew how the whole situation would develop. That's why I'm extremely happy that he was back so quickly and can now really close the chapter of football for himself. There's nothing better than being able to end your career at your heart's club."
Back to Carinthia
The near future will lead the departing football professional back to his Carinthian homeland. "I am really looking forward to it. Without having planned anything major, it is important for me to perhaps gain a bit of distance." Burgstaller, who has already taken a Trainer B license course, has also initiated his own social project with friends called "Bande mit Herz" (Band with Heart). This project supports children and adolescents with physical and mental disabilities.
"I have always had a great time supporting social projects. And that's why we founded a non-profit association. We've been tinkering with it for about a year now," explained Burgstaller, who has already completed the first actions. "When you see the children, there is nothing more beautiful in life."
Return to Rapid?
Burgstaller did not rule out that his path might later lead back to Rapid. He is in contact with sports director Markus Katzer and managing director Steffen Hofmann regarding this. "We will see, it has to fit for both sides. But basically, everything is open."
(APA/Red)
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