Beck relinquishes Hoffenheim captaincy

Beck informed head coach Markus Babbel of his decision on Friday afternoon. “I didn't have to wrestle with this decision, nor did anybody force me to make it. It was an honour for me to have fulfilled this task. I will still approach my duties with the same dedication and carry out my normal responsibilities, both on and off the pitch. That's a part of my character.”

Babbel said of Beck's choice, “Andi is a good and reliable guy in the team and a recognised face at this club. He has captained Hoffenheim extremely well and I'd like to thank him for that on behalf of everyone here. I accept and respect his decision and am sure that he will continue to be a valuable member of our team in the future.”

When asked about a potential replacement, Babbel replied simply that a successor would be discussed over the next few weeks. Andi, as Beck is commonly known by the club's fans, was given the captain's armband at the beginning of the 2010/11 season by then-coach Ralf Rangnick, taking over from Swedish defender Per Nilsson who had moved to 1. FC Nürnberg,