At the age of 32, John Heitinga has decided to call an end to his playing career.
- By Michael Bell
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The centre back confirmed the news in a letter to the fans, with Heitinga stating that he came to the conclusion in December after speaking with his agent, along with Frank de Boer and Edwin van der Sar.
Heiting’s message ended with , “Now I make it known. I stop playing football.Immediately.”
“And it feels weird.”
Heitinga made his debut with Ajax at the age of 17 and made over 150 league appearances before joining Atletico Madrid in 2008. Spells with Everton, Fulham and Hertha Berlin followed before Heitinga was persuaded to rejoin Ajax last summer.
However the defender has barely been involved in Frank de Boer’s side, and is now hoping to stay at the club as a coach.
Heitinga earned 87 Netherlands caps during his career, and is the fourth member of the 2010 World Cup final side to hang up his boots after Mark van Bommel, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Joris Mathijsen.
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