Joel Matip confirms SHOCK retirement in his own perfect way

Joel Matip has apparently retired from football. It’s a shock - but he did it in his own perfect way.

Joel Matip has retired from football, according to Ruhr Nachrichten. The Germany outlet claims the former Liverpool defender has decided to call it a day, just months after he left Anfield after eight years.

Matip's Liverpool career ended sadly, of course. The player picked up a severe injury late in 2023, ruling him out for the majority of the campaign. It meant he was completely unable to play a role in Jurgen Klopp's farewell tour.

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And it seems that the Cameroonian won't play any further role as a player - for anyone. He had been linked with plenty of other clubs, including a return to the Premier League, but the reports here suggest he's calling it a day.

Fittingly, Matip has done this with absolutely no fanfare. He never courted any as a player, and he's going out without a formal announcement, it seems.

In fact, the world of football was unaware. Hamburg attempted to sign him, with a scout contacting Matip and asking if their sporting director could get in touch over a free transfer.

But Matip informed the scout that he wouldn't be available - he's no longer a player. Honestly, it couldn't be a more perfect way for the 33-year-old to bow out.

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Matip will go down as one of the greatest defenders to ever play for Liverpool, and it's a massive shame that it all came to and end the way it did. He deserved a proper send-off on the pitch.

And we've got to believe that the injury has something to do with the shock retirement. Matip is only 33, after all, and more than good enough to play a big role for a top club.

Instead, he'll be moving onto something new - which for starters, will be as an assistant for his son's Under 13 team.