Brown Ideye Retires From Professional Football
2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning Super Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye has announced his retirement from professional football. The former West Bromwich Albion forward made the annoucement on his X handle on Wednesday. Ideye wrote; “After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football. I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. “I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day. This game made me and gave me everything -incredible joy, sad days, the opportunity to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships and so many unforgettable memories. “To all the Agents who worked tirelessly and negatiated with clubs for my dreams to come true -thank you. To all the sports journalists who spent long hours days and night covering and highlighting my career, I owe you a depth of gratitude. “To every club I’ve had the honour of wearing their jersey and representing, every coach and teamate who pushed and rooted for me to be better, and every fan who supported me through highs and lows -thank you. “Thank you, Nigeria, for the opportunity you gave me to wear the national colour and be among the Super Eagles. Though my time as a pro-player has come to an end, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter. “Thank you all for being a part of this journey and I look forward to still seeing you on these football streets.” Some of the notable club Ideye starred are; Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys, Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, Olympiacos, Tianjin Teda, Malaga, Goztepe and Enyimba. Ideye won 28 national team caps and scored six goals.