22-year-old Swiss midfielder Silvan Wallner has made a decision to retire from professional football, citing his devotion to Jesus Christ as the driving force behind his departure from the sport.

The defender began his professional career with FC Zurich in 2020, accumulating over 100 appearances across three clubs. He recently signed a two-year contract with BW Linz in September.

Wallner in a statement released by Blau-Weiß Linz, said: “I’m a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life.

“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and the biblical day of rest has become important to me. This means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.

“This is my personal conviction, I’m not yet a member of any church. I say a big thank you to people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career.”