Christian Gentner will leave 1. FC Union Berlin at the end of the Bundesliga season. The central midfielder has enjoyed two seasons in Köpenick, using his vast experience to help the club consolidate their place in Germany's top division.

The 35-year-old said: "I felt at home in Berlin right from the start and found a home at Union. The two years in Köpenick were also extremely successful in football terms and I will always remember this time fondly. Together with my family, however, I have decided to go new ways in the summer. Now it's about enjoying the last games in the Union jersey and bringing this great season to the end in the best possible way."

"Christian Gentner has played a significant role in the development of our team over the last two years. On and off the pitch he is a role model of professionalism, commitment and character. We respect this joint decision, wish him only the best and thank Christian and his family for having the courage to take this path with Union, despite many skeptics at the beginning," added Oliver Ruhnert, 1. FC Union Berlin's Managing Director for Professional Football.