Former Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City players are among some of the high-profile footballers to have announced their retirement in recent months.
The passage of time stops for no mortal being and every footballer – even Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Cristiano Ronaldo – knows they cannot continue playing forever.
We’ve taken a look at 15 notable names and familiar faces who have decided to hang up their boots in 2022.
Fabian Delph
This one took us by surprise.
Double Premier League champion and 20-cap England international Delph is only 32 and looked like he could still do it when he came into Frank Lampard’s Everton team towards the back end of last season.
But having played just 35 league games over the past three seasons owing to a series of injuries, perhaps the decision is understandable.
He wrote on Instagram: “So today I announce my retirement with nothing but happiness and gratitude for what this beautiful game has given me.
“Massive shout out to my family, friends, players and staff from the amazing clubs I have been fortunate enough to represent as well as the support I have had from the fans.”
John Obi Mikel
Most closely associated with Chelsea, Mikel has decided to call it a day after spells in China and Turkey as well as with Stoke and Middlesbrough in the Championship.
He ended up becoming more of a destroyer at Chelsea, but things could have been oh-so-different for the big Nigerian midfielder.
READ: A tribute to John Obi Mikel, Nigeria creator turned Chelsea water carrier
Jack Wilshere
Wilshere’s decision to call it quits will be a bit of a gut punch for those that can recall him running rings around Xavi and Iniesta when he was a teenager. For a certain younger generation, he’ll be the first retired footballer they remember breaking through as a rising star.
The lengthy statement he published on Twitter is quite stirring. Bit dusty in here, isn’t it?
I’ve lived my dream. Thank you all ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rB5gnyyUlK
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) July 8, 2022
Jermain Defoe
Defoe is absolutely loved up in Sunderland, as much for the goals he scored as the bond he forged with the community.
Unfortunately, his fairytale return to the Stadium of Light back in January didn’t quite turn out as planned. The 39-year-old only made seven appearances (two starts) and failed to score a goal, eventually calling it quits on his career a few weeks early as it became evident this was one…
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