Former Newcastle and Watford defender Daryl Janmaat announces retirement from football aged 32
FORMER Newcastle and Watford defender Daryl Janmaat has announced his retirement from football aged just 32.
The full-back had a two-year stint at Newcastle, arriving in 2014 from Dutch side Feyenoord for £6.5million.
Following the Magpies’ relegation in 2016, Janmaat stayed in the Premier League with Watford.
But he suffered the same fate four years later as the Hornets were relegated to the second tier of English football.
Janmaat then returned to his homeland to play for ADO Den Haag, but a lack of first-team game time and an exciting job opportunity has seen the defender hang his boots up.
He will become the club’s new technical director and will hope to help fire the club back up into the Eredivisie.
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In a statement, Janmaat said: “ADO Den Haag truly is my club, and I have not regretted a single second of my return one-and-a-half years ago.
“Although I still had a player contract for one season, I was doubting whether I wanted to keep playing.
“My ambition is to stay active and involved in the world of football, but in another role.
“When I received the opportunity to take on this role at ADO Den Haag, I did not have to think long about my decision.
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“I am very happy with this fantastic opportunity and I would like to thank the club for the confidence that they have placed in me.
“To carry out this job, I will be able to rely on my experiences in the world of football and the network that I have built throughout my professional playing career. This is an ideal next step for me.”