‘I’m winding up’ - Ex-Super Eagles star Odion Ighalo gives update on retirement

The 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner has played professional football for more than 17 years both locally and internationally.

The 35-year-old began his career locally at Osun United F.C. in Nigeria before joining another Nigerian club Julius Berger in 2006. 

The following year he relocated to Europe and signed for FK Lyn before moving to other top clubs like Udinese, Watford, and Manchester United in Europe.

Odion Ighalo has revealed that he is almost done playing football after 17 years, plying his trade in Europe, China, and Saudi Arabia.

According to OmaSports TV, Ighalo said, “Yeah, not long, because you get tired, the body is not the same way 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 and try to win games. Five years ago, if I lose a game, I go crazy and get 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 while to recover. 

“It tells on your body because you’re not young anymore, and sometimes you’re mentally exhausted.”

The striker also talked about the drawbacks of retiring that he has thought about and how he is getting ready for life after football.

He continued, “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, 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 goes down,so I have to be ready, just to focus on my kids and my family.”

Ighalo made 37 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists for the Super Eagles.