Odion Ighalo, the Super Eagles and Al-Wehda striker, has indicated that his football career is nearing its end, as reported by Sportblog247.com. Ighalo, 35, who became the first Nigerian to sign for Manchester United on the winter transfer deadline day in 2020, has expressed that his body is starting to show signs of wear after over seventeen years of professional play.

Ighalo began his career with Osun United F.C. before joining Julius Berger in 2006. The following year, he moved to Europe, joining FK Lyn and later playing for notable clubs such as Udinese, Watford, and Manchester United.

“Yeah, not long, because you get tired, the body is not the same way it used to be. Sometimes, you enjoy the game, but I don’t kill myself about it. It’s my job, and I’m a professional player and try to win games. Five years ago, if I lose a game, I go crazy and get angry, but now after the next day, I move on, not because I don’t love my job, but because I’m winding up. Five years ago, I could play three games in five days and recover properly, but now, one game takes a longer while to recover. It tells on your body because you’re not young anymore, and sometimes you’re mentally exhausted,” the former Al-Hilal striker told OmaSports TV.

The 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner also discussed the challenges of retirement and his preparations for life after football.

“Of course. If you don’t prepare, you just can’t decide to quit at once. You have to be mentally, financially, and emotionally prepared because it is going to be different. You wouldn’t get a huge salary anymore, and you still have responsibility, so you have to cut your spending. So, I think I have been preparing. Even though we still want more money, I’m grateful for what God has blessed me with. It’s going to be tough, especially mentally, because you don’t train and play games anymore. The fame and popularity go down, so I have to be ready, just to focus on my kids and my family,” the 35-year-old concluded.

Ighalo recently enjoyed a successful season with Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 15 goals in 31 games for the Red Genies.

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