MUNICH: Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler, long regarded as one of Germany’s biggest talents, retired from soccer on Tuesday. The 27-year-old former Germany player, whose skills on the ball captivated fans, underwent five right knee operations. Twice, he missed parts of season with depression triggered by the constant expectations.

Deisler played 36 games for Germany, which put him in charge of its attack when he was 19 before his first knee injury. Germany tried to rush him back from another operation for the 2002 World Cup, only to see his fragile knee collapse in a warmup match against Austria.