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Home > News > Knee injury forces John de Jong to retire from the game at 30 (PSV.nl)

Knee injury forces John de Jong to retire from the game at 30 (PSV.nl)

26 Feb 2008 - Source: PSV.nl

This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl


PSV MEDIA â€'John de Jong has announced his retirement from football, blaming persistent injury problems. The 30-year-old has been troubled by a serious knee injury for a long time and has conceded defeat in his bid to return to full fitness. He started his career as a professional football player at ADO Den Haag in 1995 and had a spell with FC Utrecht before he joined PSV in the summer of 2000.
John de Jong, born in The Hague on 8 March 1977, spent eight seasons with PSV. He was on loan with sc Heerenveen in the 2002/03 season. The attacking midfielder made 258 league appearances and scored 62 goals. He was called up to the Dutch national squad in February 2001 but did not win a cap for his country.

De Jong sustained a serious knee injury three seasons ago and his problems have now forced him to end his career prematurely. 'This has been going on for several years now. I considered retiring already last November. I played some friendlies with Young PSV but I have never been able to shake off my injury completely. I was treated intensively and I have tried everything, all to no avail', says De Jong.

The player had a look of resignation and relief on his face when he announced his retirement from football. 'It does not come as a surprise. I have never given up hope but I gradually realised I would never return to full fitness', admitted De Jong, who has developed strong ties with Eindhoven and PSV. 'I love life here and I am grateful to PSV for the support I have received and am greatly appreciative of their help. I had some great times here, played together with quality players and won several trophies. I would love to stay in Eindhoven and pursue a career here.'
PSV's General Manager Jan Reker claims that John de Jong has become a genuine team player with PSV during his eight seasons with the club. 'He has been dedicated, coming here every single day. He has worked very hard to get back to fitness and has never been sullen. I am sure he has a future in the game. He has always been loyal to PSV and we will see if we can offer him a position with PSV', said Reker.