An effective Everton striker declares retirement
Aiyegbeni Yakubu, a former striker for Everton, has announced his retirement from football today, his 35th birthday, despite always playing the game in his own unique style. Throughout his career, which spanned several continents and different leagues, he scored 173 goals in 449 games.
He played for the Toffees for the longest stretch of that time, appearing in 107 games from 2007 to 2011. With 33 goals and 12 assists for the Blues, he lived up to the long-held nickname that the supporters yelled at him: “Feed the Yak, and he will score!”
“Today, I would like to formally declare my retirement from the NFL.
“Let me start by giving thanks to God for my career. For all the amazing years I had playing for the Super Eagles, I would like to express my gratitude to the Nigerian Football Federation as a whole as well as my teammates on the Nigerian national team.
“I also want to express my gratitude to every football team I ever played for. The owners, managers, players, employees of the club, and my closest family and friends who have helped me tremendously throughout my career.
Years ago, in 1997, when I began working at Julius Berger in Nigeria, I could never have imagined the success that would come years later.
“I am now settled here because playing in England specifically helped me grow so much as a person and as a player. I think it’s now appropriate for me to concentrate on starting the next phase of my life.”
Premier League match between Everton and Portsmouth: Yakubu celebrates his goal like never before Laurence Griffiths took the picture (Getty Images) )
David Unsworth, the Blues’ current interim manager, spoke briefly about the Yak during his pre-game press conference today.
Yes, he performed admirably here, scoring several goals! was incredibly well-liked.
“I spent a year playing with him at Portsmouth, where he was a big goal scorer and well-liked in the locker rooms.
“Everyone at Everton wishes him all the best; he’s a great guy and a funny guy off the pitch.”
The Yak has scored a lot of goals, and Evertonians and football fans worldwide will wish him luck in his future endeavors outside of the game.
