Thomas Hitzlsperger – a career in pictures

Hitzlsperger (pictured on his debut for Aston Villa) made one appearance for the club before being loaned to Chesterfield Photograph: Anton Want/Action Images

When he returned to the Midlands club, he forced his way into the team under Graham Taylor and ultimately stayed at the club for four years. He played 99 games and scored eight times Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

He made his international debut in October 2004 in a 2-0 win against Iran Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

He moved to Stuttgart and spent five years with the club, the highlight of which was winning the German championship in 2007 Photograph: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images

He scored his first international goal against San Marino during a Euro 2008 qualifier Photograph: THOMAS LOHNES/AFP/Getty Images

At the tournament proper, Hitzlsperger was part of the German side that lost the final to Spain Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

After leaving Stuttgart in 2012, Hitzlsperger's career was nomadic. He had a brief stint with Lazio ... Photograph: Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

... then West Ham Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

... then Wolfsburg Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images

... and, finally, Everton. He eventually retired in September 2013, due to injuries Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images