Former South Africa captain Steven Pienaar has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.
“Today I am announcing my retirement from football. I just want to say thanks to my mum and my family and all the clubs that I have played for and the supporters off course how can I forget you”, he said.
“Thank you for the love throughout my career”.
It’s been an amazing ride made more special by you, the fans. Thank You. It’s been an honour. 🙏🏽⚽️ pic.twitter.com/qsy4bZCLjT
— Steven Pienaar (@therealstevenpi) February 28, 2018
Pienaar who has made 60 appearances for the national team, had a successful career in the English Premier League, most notably with Sunderland and Everton.
Steve also played for Dutch side Ajax and Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He won two league titles with Ajax Amsterdam and made a total 150 appearances for Everton.
Pienaar earned 61 caps for Bafana Bafana, and played at the 2002 and 2010 Fifa World Cups.
Everton also wrote to their former player: “Congratulations on a superb career, @therealstevenpi and thank you for your service in the royal blue. Best of luck in retirement. We hope to see you at Goodison soon!”.