Dutch football legend retires
Netherlands' midfielder Wesley Sneijder reacts after missing a shot during penalty shoot-outs following extra time during their Fifa World Cup semi-final match against Argentina at The Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo on July 9, 2014. PHOTO | ODD ANDERSEN |
What you need to know:
- The 35-year-old made the announcement while speaking to the YouTube channel of his hometown club FC Utrecht after having bought a corporate box at their stadium
- Sneijder played 134 times for his country
- His career included a World Cup runners-up medal as well as Champions League, La Liga and Serie A titles
THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands' most-capped player Wesley Sneijder announced on Monday his retirement from football, bringing down the curtain on a trophy-laden career that spanned 17 years.
The 35-year-old, who played 134 times for his country, made the announcement while speaking to the YouTube channel of his hometown club FC Utrecht after having bought a corporate box at their stadium.
"My connection to the town is big. Now I've retired from football I want a nice place to share my memories," he said.
Sneijder's career included a World Cup runners-up medal as well as Champions League, La Liga and Serie A titles.
The playmaker had successful spells with Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Galatasaray after having graduated from Ajax's academy in 2002.
His final club was Al Gharafa in Qatar's top-flight.
For his national side he was a losing finalist at the 2010 World Cup to Spain before a last four exit to Argentina four years later. He retired from international football last year.
