Ex Nigeria Intl Yakubu Aiyegbeni retires from football on his 35th birthday
Former Everton striker Yakubu ‘The Yak’ Aiyegbeni has announced his retirement from football on his 35 birthday today.
The big striker featured for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where millions of fans still remember him missing a big sitter against Korea Republic which would qualified Nigeria to the knockout stage of the tournament.
He has played for several clubs including Maccabi Haifa of Israel, Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers and Middlesbrough as well as in China and Turkey.
Earlier this year, Yakubu cancelled his contract at English club Coventry.
His 21 goals in 57 appearances for the Nigerian national team is the third highest by any Super Eagles player.HeHis 21 goals in 57 appearances for the Nigerian national team is the third highest by any Super Eagles player.
“I would like to officially announce my retirement from professional football today,” Aiyegbeni told Sky Sports News.
“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.
“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.
“When I started my career at Julius Berger in Nigeria all those years ago (1997) I could only have dreamt of the success that was to follow years after.
“Also playing in England especially helped me grow as a player and as a person so much that I am now settled here. I feel the time is right for me to now focus on the next chapter in my life.”
He has seen been doing his coaching badges.
