For most footballers, they should be in the prime of their careers at 29.
However, for ex-Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Andre Schurrle, things turned out a bit different. The World Cup and Premier League winner, with Germany and the Blues respectively, retired from football – leading to him pursuing a set of unique and punishing endurance contests in challenging conditions.
Last year, Schurrle, who turned 34 this week, completed the Wim Hof method, which is regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. The German and a group of fellow adventures climbed the Sniezka Mountains to reach the highest point in Czechia, which was 1,603km above sea level.
Taking to Instagram, Schurrle wrote: “”The last minutes I couldn’t feel anything and I had to find something deep inside me to keep going. An experience I will never forget! -19 degrees, 100 km/h wind in our faces, heavy snow and rain. What I learned… my body and I are stronger than I thought if I put my mind and soul into it I can do it all.”
Schurrle, who won the title at Stamford Bridge in 2014/15, also takes on some of these endurance challenges topless, walking out in the snow in sub zero conditions. Back in 2020, Schurrle announced his retirement from football after his contract with Borussia Dortmund was cancelled.
(Image: andreschuerrle)
Announcing the decision four years ago, Schurrle wrote: “I want to let you know that I’m stepping away from playing professional football. On behalf of myself and my family I want to thank everybody who was a part of these phenomenal years.
“The support and love you shared with me was unbelievable and more I could have ever asked for. Now I’m ready and open for all the beautiful possibilities that are coming towards me.”
In an interview with German newspaper Der Speigel, he added: “I don’t need the applause any more. The decision matured in me for a long time… the depths became deeper and the highlights less and less.”