Former Real Madrid goalkeeper
Bodo Illgner has decided it's time to hang up his boots after 12 years in the game.
Illgner arrived at Real Madrid from Cologne in 1997, but lost his regular first-team place to Santiago Canizares after just one season.
The German 'keeper, had even fewer chances of winning his place back with the arrival of
Cesar Sanchez from Valladolid and the excellent form shown by
Iker Casillas, who was drafted in from Real's reserve team.
Illgner was told to find another club over 12 months ago because his high salary was a cause of concern for Real's directors, who felt that a non-regular in the side shouldn't be taking home such a handsome pay packet.
The player finally managed to persuade Real Madrid to annul the remaining year on his contract but since then has been unable to find a club that is willing to take him on.