Wesley Sneijder announces retirement from football

Ag AFP

THE HAGUE, Prague: 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, who made his international debut in 2003 aged 19, picked up a World Cup runners-up medal in 2010 as the Oranje were beaten by a dominant Spain in the South Africa final.

His displays earned him the Silver Ball for the tournament’s second best player behind Uruguay’s Diego Forlan. He finished his playing career at Al Gharafa in Qatar’s top-flight.