Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has revealed when he is going to hang his boot and call it a quit on football.
In Nigeria, the 35-year-old started his career locally at Osun United F.C. before moving to Julius Berger, another Nigerian team, in 2006.
The AFCON Golden Boot winner has over 17 years of domestic and international experience as a professional football player.
He played for FK Lyn and also played for other big clubs in Europe, including Manchester United, Watford, and Udinese.
Odion Ighalo gives update on retirement
Having played football for 17 years in Saudi Arabia, China, and Europe, Odion Ighalo reveals when he will retire from football.
During an interview with OmaSports TV, Ighalo said, “Yeah, not long, because you get tired, the body is not the same way it used to be. Sometimes you enjoy the game, but I don’t kill myself about it.
“It’s my job and I’m a professional player and try to win games. Five years ago, if I lose a game, I go crazy and get angry, but now after the next day, I move on, not because I don’t love my job, but because I’m winding up.
“Five years ago, I could play three games in five days and recover properly, but now one game takes a longer while to recover.
“It tells on your body because you’re not young anymore, and sometimes you’re mentally exhausted.”
Odion Ighalo says he is close to retirement. After 17 years in Europe, China and Saudi Arabia, the former super eagles striker is now preparing for life after football. @ighalojude pic.twitter.com/ZXjsxet3y2
— Oma Akatugba (@omaakatugba) June 3, 2024
Ighalo had a stellar individual season with Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 15 goals in 31 games for the Red Genies.
