Just from the number of camera teams and journalists on hand, one could tell how big the media interest was Tuesday at Weser Stadium. Werder had called for a press conference about the contractual situation for team captain Torsten Frings. The protagonist himself did not appear at the press conference but he spoke to journalists before the start of training. The journalists wanted to know from the 34-year-old his thoughts about the end of his active career with Werder. Frings reacted relaxed and asked for some time to work through the happenings and decisions made in the past hours and days. "I would like to take some time now to think about my future," said the midfielder. "The season was certainly long, stressful and hard enough."

Frings doesn't want to think right now about going from such a long step in his life to starting up something new. "I was here except for the break (transfer to Dortmund and Bayern) nearly 15 years. You can't just work through all that in a couple of days. It was a wonderful time. I am thankful for everything to this club and I believe that I did a good job as well," said Frings.

The captain also said that a coaching job is "one of many options" for his future. He did not refrain from saying he would have "gladly played one more year with Werder". But Frings is not disappointed that the club decided to take the step. "Thomas Schaaf and Klaus Allofs give the direction," said Frings. "I have to accept that." Frings also added that he would be happy if he could later work with Werder.

Reaction from teammates about Torsten Frings' contract situation:
Per Mertesacker: It's too bad that Torsten will stop playing. We didn't just play together a long time with Werder but also with the German national team. Such a time affects you - also personally. It is a sporting loss for us. I have to digest the decision first.

Clemens Fritz: I respect Torsten not only as a player but as a personality. But when this decision is made then we have to accept it. I wish him all the best in whichever way he moves on. His departure is a loss for us but we will not fall apart because of it. We had a similar situation two years ago with Frank Baumann. The others will have to take on more responsibility.

Tim Wiese: Torsten and I experienced a lot together over the years. It is too bad that he will no longer play for Werder. I hope that he makes the right decision for how he continues on.