Chris and Usami to leave TSG

Chris moved to Hoffenheim in the summer of 2012 but his time at the club has been plagued by injuries. Back problems, two muscle tears, as well as a syndesmosis tear in his left ankle have kept the 34-year-old on the sidelines. Chris has pulled on a TSG shirt just twice; both times in friendly matches against Real Betis and SV Darmstadt 98.

Head of professional football, Alexander Rosen: “Chris was hardly able to make an impact in a sporting sense because of injuries, but he was well respected thanks to his integrative role within the team and his constantly exemplary and professional conduct. We wish him all the best for the future.”

The Brazilian has played in Germany since 2003, moving to TSG in 2012 after spells with FC St. Pauli, Eintracht Frankfurt and VfL Wolfsburg. Overall, Chris has made 133 Bundesliga appearances, scoring ten times. He has also earned 12 international caps (2 goals).

20-year-old Takashi Usami will also leave Hoffenheim at the end of the season. The Japanese midfielder is under contract at Gamba Osaka in his home country and was loaned to TSG for a full season in the summer of 2012. The club decided not to make use of the option to buy Usami that was within the contract.