5 top players who retired in 2021
The calendar year of 2021 is coming to an end and while there have been some spectacular performances all around, the year has also seen a number of top players deciding to hang up their boots.
Here, we take a look at five top players who retired this year.
1. Sergio Aguero
Argentina and Manchester City legend, Sergio Aguero unfortunately was forced to retire at the age of 33 due to a heart condition, with the striker advised by doctors it would be a risk to continue carrying on playing football.
Aguero will go down in history as one of the best strikers of his generation and arguably the greatest player in City's history as he scored 260 goals for them and is their all-time highest goalscorer.
The striker also played over 100 games for Argentina, scoring 41 goals for them.
2. Arjen Robben
One of the best wingers in the world, Arjen Robben announced his retirement from the sport in July, 2021 with the Dutchman simply unplayable in his prime.
The 37-year-old played for a number of top clubs during his career but it known for his time at Bayern Munich, with the winger making 309 appearances for them in 10 years and helping them win eight Bundesliga titles and the 2013 Champions League.
Robben also made 96 appearances for Holland leading them to the finals in the 2010 edition.
3. Wayne Rooney
The record goalscorer for England and Manchester United, Wayne Rooney retired in January 2021 after being appointed the manager of Derby County.
The striker was brilliant for United, leading them to a host of trophies between 2004 to 2017, a time in which he established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
4. Sami Khedira
Sami Khedira was capable of playing anywhere in midfield, with the German perhaps going under the radar during his career and that he did not get the plaudits he deserved for his performances on the pitch.
The 34-year-old starred for the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus during his career and was an integral part of the German squad which won the 2014 World Cup.
5. Mario Mandzukic
Another player who was underrated during his career was Mario Mandzukic, with the striker putting on consistent performances for the likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
The 35-year-old was also part of the Croatia side which reached the final of the 2018 World Cup, with the striker winning honours in a number of different leagues.