Feyenoord's Jon Dahl Tomasson announces retirement from football
Former Denmark international has decided to end his career as a player, but admits he wants to continue in a coaching roleFeyenoord striker Jon Dahl Tomasson has announced his retirement from football at 34 and admits his struggle with injuries have forced him to quit earlier than expected.
The former Denmark international, who scored 52 goals for his country, said there was uncertainty as to whether he would be able to play at the highest levels following his struggles.
But he has no regrets following a successful career which began at Koge, and spread throughout Europe to include great clubs like AC Milan, Newcastle United and Villarreal.
"It's a sad day. I made the decision to quit playing football," he told the press. "Everyone who played football knows this is the most beautiful profession there is. But when I see the guys preparing for a match, and I can't play, it hurts.
"Last week I visited the doctor and he told me that it would take at least three months before I could be back on the pitch. And even then it wouldn't be sure if I could play again. So at that point I said to myself, this is it.
"I had a beautiful career. I've won the Uefa Cup with Feyenoord and the Champions League with AC Milan. "I've seen a lot, I visited a lot of countries. You can only dream of these things, but I did it. I put a big black line under my career. It's over."
However, the hitman wants to carry on being involved with the game as a coach in the future.
"I will join the staff of Excelsior Rotterdam. I have to learn a lot, but on the other side, I've a lot of experience as a football player," he added.Tomasson began his football career with Koge before moving to Heerenveen where he spent three years. He then joined Newcastle before leaving for Feyenoord.
He later joined Milan, Stuttgart and Villarreal before moving back to Rotterdam in 2008.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2011/06/07/2521929/feyenoords-jon-dahl-tomasson-announces-retirement-from
