Super Eagles and Al-Wehda striker Odion Jude Ighalo has indicated that his football career is likely to come to an end soon.
The 35-year-old attacker began his career with Osun United F.C. before joining Julius Berger in 2006. The following year, he headed to Europe, signing with FK Lyn before moving on to bigger clubs such as Udinese, Watford, and Manchester United.
After more than seventeen years of professional football, Ighalo admitted that his body is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.
"Yeah, not long. Because you get tired, your body is not the same as 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 who tries to win games. Five years ago, if I lost a game, I went crazy and got 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 time to recover. It tells on your body because you're not young anymore, and sometimes you're mentally exhausted," the former Al-Hilal striker told OmaSports TV.
The 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner also disclosed the disadvantages of retiring that he has considered, as well as how he is planning for life after football.
"Of course. If you don't prepare, you just can't decide to quit at once. You have to be mentally, financially, and emotionally prepared because it is going to be different. You wouldn't get the huge salary anymore, and you still have responsibility, so you have to cut your spending. So, I think I have been preparing, and even though we still want more money, I'm grateful for what God has blessed me with. It's going to be tough, especially mentally, because you don't train and play games anymore. The fame and popularity go down, so I have to be ready, just to focus on my kids and my family," the 35-year-old concluded.
Ighalo had a successful individual season with Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 15 goals in 31 games for the Red Giants.
Comments