Aiyegbeni retires from professional football at 35

Former Super Eagles striker, Yakubu Aiyegbeni on Wednesday announced his retirement from professional football – a day that marked his 35th year on earth.

The erstwhile Everton player, who joined from Middlesbrough in 2007 and scored 25 goals in 82 appearances in four seasons with the club, broke the news of his retirement to Sky Sports.

“I would like to officially announce my retirement from professional football today,” said Aiyegbeni.

“Firstly, I would like to thank God for the career I have had. I would like to thank the entire Nigerian Football Federation and my Nigerian national team-mates for all the memorable years I had playing for the Super Eagles.

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“I would also like to thank all the football clubs I played for. The managers, all club staff, owners, fellow players and my dearest family and friends who immensely supported me throughout my career.”

Aiyegbeni, who also played for Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers, made 250 Premier League appearances and scored 96 goals in a career spanning 20 years.

The former Julius Berger FC player scored 21 goals in 57 appearances for the Nigerian national team which makes him the third highest by any Super Eagles player.

“I feel the time is right for me to now focus on the next chapter in my life,” he concluded.

 

 

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