Yakubu Aiyegbeni retires from football on 35th birthday

Yakubu Aiyegbeni has retired from football on his 35th birthday.

The former Everton FC striker made the announcement on Wednesday.

Aiyegbeni made 250 appearances in the English Premier League, playing for Everton FC, Middlesborough FC, Portsmouth FC, and Blackburn.

The striker left League Two side, Coventry City, in April after only three appearances.

He made four African Cup of Nations appearances for Nigeria and also played at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

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

“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.”

Yakubu scored 21 goals in 57 appearances for the Super Eagles. He is the country’s third highest goalscorer.