Christophe Berra will still have a role at Hearts next season - but must make big call

The 36-year-old is reluctant to end his 18-year senior career and hopes to play on with a different club after the summer. He is also developing his coaching skills by studying the UEFA B Licence and A Licence.

Hearts expect him to continue coaching their under-16 side at the Riccarton youth academy even if he signs on elsewhere.

One of his biggest decisions will be whether to pursue a contract solely as a free agent player or look for a player/coach role.

The Hearts manager Robbie Neilson explained to the Evening News that the decision to release Berra when his contract expires was made earlier this month.

“We made the decision a couple of weeks ago and we were waiting for the right time to put it out. Christophe was keen to put it out as soon as possible so it was decided to do it this week,” said Neilson.

“He’s been a brilliant servant to the club and he needs to decide what his next move is going to be – whether it’s continuing to play or looking to go down the coaching route.

“I think he still has a huge desire to play for another year or two anyway. He will continue coaching in the academy here so if he joins another club it will be a decision on whether he goes in as a player/coach or whether he wants to just play for another wee while.”

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