TSV Egger Glas Hartberg has to go into the spring of the Admiral Bundesliga with a new goalkeeper and captain. Because Rene Swete surprisingly announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect on Friday. His body would have given him the sign to hang up his goalie gloves, said the native of Vienna.
Since his commitment in January 2017, Swete has played 179 competitive games for Hartberg on the way from the regional league to the Bundesliga. Since the summer of 2019 he has been captain of the Ossteirer, who had installed Markus Schopp again as a coach at the beginning of December after his England adventure. “This decision has matured in me over a long period of time,” the 32-year-old Swete was quoted as saying in a club broadcast.
He had a good time in Hartberg with some successes, said Swete, who thanked the club. “But despite everything, it was also a very exhausting time because TSV Hartberg is also very close to my heart. As a result, the physical ‘ailments’ increased, which for me is also a sign from my body that it’s easy enough now and that it’s time for a new chapter in which I can contribute my own ideas, help shape things and can develop further,” said Swete.
“TSV family is grateful”
Hartberg’s chairman Erich Korherr regretted the unexpected step. “Of course, Rene’s news also surprised me and came unexpectedly,” said Korherr. With Swete you lose an absolute leader. “Rene was there the whole Hartberger way, we celebrated great successes together, and the entire TSV family is grateful for this wonderful time.”
Schopp also acknowledged the merits of the long-time top performer. “With the departure of Rene Swete, TSV loses a formative face,” emphasized the neo-coach. Swete played a key role in the rise and development of the club. He wishes him the best and hopes that Swete will stay with the club in some way.
Club President Brigitte Annerl joined in the praise and paid tribute to the decision. “Rene certainly didn’t take the decision to end his active professional career lightly, but he justified it. It is with a heavy heart that we have to comply with this humanly understandable wish.”
