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Hummels: Unlikely I'll still be playing in five years

Michaela Rehle / Reuters

Bayern Munich defender Mats Hummels shocked more than a few fans on Tuesday by announcing that he could retire from playing within the next five years.

The 28-year old made his Bundesliga debut for Bayern almost nine years ago, and after a highly successful decade, Hummels said the end of his career is on the horizon.

"Generally speaking, it's unlikely that I'll still be playing at the age of 33," Hummels told a news conference in Qatar, as reported by ESPN FC's Mark Lovell.

"First I'll have to see if I'm still good enough, and secondly whether I still have the desire," he explained.

A product of the Bayern academy, Hummels rejoined his childhood team back in the summer after spending the better part of ten seasons at title rival Borussia Dortmund.

His time playing domestically with the biggest clubs in Germany, combined with regular international duties, has taken a toll on Hummels, who admits he does not feel fresh any more.

"Over the last few seasons, especially last year, I played a lot of games - so a summer off would be a luxury."

The Bergisch Gladbach native has previously expressed a desire to go into coaching once he decides to retire, and said that playing for Germany in the Confederations Cup this summer is not his top priority.

"I feel like I'm already 33. I wouldn't be upset if I was one of the players that didn't have to play in the tournament.

"But if the national coach says: 'You are coming with us,' then of course I will come."

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