Bayer Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny has confirmed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The stalwart stopper has been in fine form since returning from the fourth cruciate ligament injury of his career earlier this season, helping Bayer into pole position in the race for a Uefa Cup berth, but he now feels it is time to look forward to a new challenge after 10 years at the BayArena.
"I have decided to look for a new sporting challenge," said Nowotny.
"Bayer made me a fair offer to stay for another two years, but I will put all my energy into the last three games of the season to ensure that the club qualifies for the Uefa Cup."
Nowotny has yet to officially state where he will be continuing his career, although German media speculation has linked him with a lucrative move to Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
