5 great football players who retired in 2017

pulse-ghana admin

November 21, 2017 2:48 PM

Pulse Sports takes a look at some legendary players who retired from football in the year 2017.

Football is a beautiful game. But despite all the boos, cheers and claps, there is also one part that makes everyone emotional – retirement.

For every football career there comes a time when everything has to be brought to an end. However, sometimes it becomes very difficult to imagine the sport without some players being involved.

2017 is a year that has brought so many of such moments. Many legendary footballers who thrilled fans with impeccable performances have already hanged their boots, with others also set to follow suit at the end of the season.

Here are five great footballers who retired in the year under review.

1. Ricardo Kaka

Ex-Brazil international Ricardo Kaka announced his retirement from Orlando City after spending three years with the club.

The attacking midfielder made his name while with AC Milan, helping the Rossoneri to the Champions League in 2007.

Kaka was also named the World’s Best Player in the same year after beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the award. The 35-year-old spent his final days as a footballer in the MLS, where he scored 24 goals in 75 appearances for Orlando City, before calling time on his career.

2. Andrea Pirlo

In one of the most emotional stories yet, Andrea Pirlo announced his retirement from football earlier in November. The Italy legend dazzled the football world with his slick passing, as well as his breathtaking free-kick ability.

Pirlo was widely referred to as ‘the artist’ due to his calm but efficient style of play. He played in a career that spanned almost two decades, lining up for the likes of AC Milan and Juventus.

The 38-year-old was also part of the Azzurri squad that won the World Cup in 2006, inking his name into the folklore of his nation. He retired after playing for New York City in the MLS.

3. Frank Lampard'

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is also one great player who quit the sport this year. Lampard played in the Blue shirt for 13 years following his move from Fulham in 2001.

He rose to become a key figure in the club’s dominant period, helping them to four league titles, the Europa League, Champions League, among other laurels.

He later moved to the MLS in the twilight of his career, where he played for New York City, before finally calling time on his career in February this year.

4. Philipp Lahm

Legendary German defender Philip Lahm broke many hearts when he announced his retirement from football at the end of last season.

The full-back quit the sport at age 34, having skippered both Bayern Munich and Germany to success. Lahm’s highlight with the German national team was winning the World Cup in 2014, while he also annexed the treble with Bayern Munich a year prior.

However, Lahm decided to take a back seat by quitting football following Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga success last season.

5. Xabi Alonso

The football world has already started missing the touch of Xabi Alonso after the ex-Spain anchorman quit the sport at the end of last season.

Alonso is one of the most admired footballers in the world, with the midfielder enjoying success with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The 35-year-old won numerous laurels with all three clubs before deciding to hang his boots in May this year.

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