Former Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.
Cisse, who also had stints in the Premier League with Sunderland and QPR, will instead focus his attention on his new career as a DJ, while also working on his clothing brand ‘Mr Lenoir’.
The much-travelled Frenchman had previously announced his retirement in October 2015 after failing to overcome a long-term hip injury but performed a U-turn last year following successful surgery.
However, the forward, who played for 11 different clubs and made 41 appearances for France, failed to find a new club and has now called time on his 17-year career.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports, he said: ‘I loved being a footballer, and so far the ball has been my life.
‘I would have liked to continue playing but I must admit today that football is over.
‘With the same passion, I will devote myself wholeheartedly to my career as DJ, producer and consultant, as well as developing my clothing brand.
‘Thank you for all your support. The adventure continues, another life begins. A lion never dies.’
Cisse, a Champions League winner with Liverpool who was twice the golden boot winner in France and Greece, spent five years playing in England.
During his time at Anfield he scored 24 goals, and also became the Lord of the Manor of Frodsham when he bought a stately home in Cheshire.
His career took him to six countries, and clubs including Marseille, Panathinaikos, Lazio and Bastia.
He was also a regular for the France national team, appearing at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and the 2010 edition in South Africa.
COMMENTS