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In a surprising turn of events, Swiss midfielder Silvan Wallner has decided to hang up his boots at the tender age of 22, expressing a heartfelt commitment to his faith as the driving force behind his retirement.

Wallner, who has openly stated his intention to “follow Jesus Christ” and honor the Sabbath, has made a significant choice that reflects his personal beliefs.

The talented defender began his professional journey with FC Zurich in 2020, amassing over 100 appearances throughout his career, which also included stints at Wil and BW Linz, where he recently signed a two-year deal in September.

In a poignant statement from Blau-Weiß Linz, Wallner emphasized his dedication to his Christian faith, declaring, “I am a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.”

“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me.

“As a footballer, this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.

“This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days. I am not yet a member of any church.

“I say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”

This season, Wallner has made five appearances for Blau-Weiß Linz, with his most recent outing resulting in a 1-2 loss to TSV Hartberg at the end of October.

The young talent has been working hard to make an impact on the pitch, but the team has faced some challenges in their recent matches.

In addition to his club commitments, Wallner has also represented the Swiss U21 national team, showcasing his skills on an international level.

His last match for the U21 squad took place in early September, where they suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat against Albania.