Liverpool legend and Champions League winner announces shock retirement aged just 33 after three months unemployed
FORMER Liverpool star Joel Matip has retired from football at the age of 33.
The centre-back quits football after spending the last three months unemployed.
Matip joined Liverpool in 2016 and spent a glittering eight years at Anfield.
He made 201 appearances for the club and formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Matip helped fire Jurgen Klopp's men to six trophies including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
He left Merseyside at the end of last season when his contract expired.
His last appearance came in a 4-3 win over Fulham in December 2023 after he suffered an ACL injury.
Matip did not find a new club over the summer despite reports linking him with moves to West Ham and Bournemouth.
And the ex-Schalke ace has now decided to hang up his boots for good.
Liverpool said in a statement: "Everybody wishes Joel and his family the very best for the future."
Fans reacted: "This is way too soon, he could still play at the top level."
Another added: "One of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League over the past five seasons."
More commented: "No way, he was genuinely a top top player just two seasons ago."
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