10 players that you thought were retired
We’ve put together a list of 10 players that we are sure you thought had retired from professional football, but surprising us all are still kicking about that circular ball.
Some of these players have reached the ripe old age of 40, and are still managing to keep going. Without further ado, we take a look at some of the most surprising footballers still to be playing.
1. Roberto Carlos (42 años) - Delhi Dynamos
One of Real Madrid’s greatest strikers of modern times continues playing as a player-manager in India.
2. Fredrik Ljungberg (38 años) - Mumbai City
An out-and-out Arsenal legend, scoring 72 goals in 216 games for the club, this Swedish winger has moved out to India to finish his career.
3. Eidur Gudjohnsen (37 años) - Shijiazhuang Ever Bright
Considered the best Icelandic footballer ever, the striker enjoyed six years at Chelsea and then three with Barcelona. With Iceland qualifying for next years Euros, he could even make the tournament.
4. Nicolas Anelka (36 años) - Mumbai City
This player has enjoyed an illustrious career having played for Europe’s greats such as: PSG, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus. Like Freddy Ljungberg he has made the switch over to India.
5. Adrian Mutu (36 años) - Pune City
Unfortunately drugs and alcohol stopped this player ever reaching his full potential. He left Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2004 after just one terrible season at the club. He’s now playing in India.
6. John Arne Riise (35 años) - Delhi Dynamos
This Liverpool legend finished his career with the club by winning the Champions League, after scoring 21 goals in 234 games. He moved on to Roma and then back to the Premier League with Fulham. He now plays in the same team as Roberto Carlos.
7. Lúcio (37 años) – Goa
One of Brazil’s strongest and most tough defenders, now plays in the Indian league with Goa. The player enjoyed a successful career with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, winning the Champions League under Jose Mourinho.
8. ‘El loco’ Abreu (39 años) – Nacional de Montevideo
This Uruguayan striker has played for an impressive 25 teams over his career. Abreu represented the country in two World Cups and three Copa América tournaments.
9. Walter Samuel (37 años) – Basel
One of the best centre-backs of his generation this Argentinian continues to thwart strikers, and right now he’s playing in the Swiss league with Basel.
10. Carlos Marchena (36 años) - Kerala Blasters
This Indian League is quickly becoming the place for Spanish footballers to ease into their retirement. This ex-Valencia and Villarreal defender has managed just one match for Kerala Blasters so far this season.