Joost van Aken, a former Sheffield Wednesday defender, has tragically announced his retirement at the age of thirty. The Dutchman signed a long contract at Hillsborough in 2017 after joining the Owls on a multi-million dollar contract from SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie. However, things didn’t work out for the Dutchman, as he struggled with injuries during his time at S6, and he left as a free agent in 2021 with just 33 appearances to his name. Since then, he has played for Zulte Waragem and then returned to Heerenveen, but he has now officially announced his retirement at the age of thirty.
“Dear friends, family, and supporters,” he said on Instagram. “It’s time to say goodbye and express my gratitude. Football has always been my greatest passion and has given me so many beautiful moments. The idea of playing in big stadiums in front of thousands of fans still gives me goosebumps. I am proud to have fulfilled my childhood dream, but all good things must come to an end.
“I am grateful for everyone I’ve met along this journey. I’ve made lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to explore the world. I want to thank my family, friends, and girlfriend immensely; without their support and love, this would never have been possible. The decision to stop wasn’t easy, but the past few years have been physically challenging and I realized that my efforts were yielding less and less. This is the best choice for both my physical and mental well-being.
With optimism and pride, I reflect on the past and look forward to the future. I’m grateful for everything, everyone. In a light-hearted manner, Joost.
After saying goodbye to his playing days, Van Aken, who once again represented his country at the youth level, will now be considering his next move.
