Former Newcastle United defender Daryl Janmaat announces surprise early retirement

Daryl Janmaat has announced he has retired from professional football at the early age of 32. The Dutchman had a two-year stint at Newcastle United, arriving in 2014 from Feyenoord for £6.5million.

Following relegation in 2016, Janmaat desired an instant return to the Premier League and was sold to Watford. However, history would repeat itself at the Hornets when the defender suffered another top-flight relegation four years later.

A return to boyhood side ADO Den Haag followed but limited first-team opportunities and an exciting job offer have caused the right-back to call it quits on a 15-year career. Janmaat will remain on board as the new technical director as the club aims to return to the Eredivisie following relegation last year.

A statement from the ex-Toon defender said: “ADO Den Haag truly is my club, and I have not regretted a single second of my return one-and-a-half years ago. Although I still had a player contract for one season, I was doubting whether I wanted to keep playing.

“My ambition is to stay active and involved in the world of football, but in another role. When I received the opportunity to take on this role at ADO Den Haag, I did not have to think long about my decision.

“I am very happy with this fantastic opportunity and I would like to thank the club for the confidence that they have placed in me.

“To carry out this job, I will be able to rely on my experiences in the world of football and the network that I have built throughout my professional playing career. This is an ideal next step for me.”