Ajax defender Andre Ooijer (http://www.theinfostride.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=155673/index.html) has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
The 55-times-caped former Netherlands (http://www.theinfostride.com/associations/association=ned/index.html) international, 37, who has also played for PSV and Blackburn Rovers during his career, made the announcement today on Ajax's club website.
He said: "In recent months I have already hinted that I had the idea that I could not play another season.
"My role has changed in recent years. Last week I told the coach how I thought about it. I wanted this weekend to talk it over with some people and think carefully about the decision I have finally announced this morning."
Ajax coach Frank de Boer admitted Ooijer's announcement did not come as a shock.
"It was not a surprise for us, because I speak with Andre on a regular basis," he said. "He hadn't made a final decision yet the last time we spoke, but he was already leaning toward retiring.
"It is a combination of his age and his current situation at Ajax. We therefore did not really consider him for next season, although we will certainly miss him."
fifa.com