End of the road for Ronald de Boer
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Article summary
Former Netherlands international Ronald de Boer has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37 after struggling to shake off a neck injury in Qatar.
Article body
Injury worries
The former AFC Ajax, FC Twente, FC Barcelona, Rangers FC and Al-Rayyan SC midfielder has terminated his contract with Al-Shamal amid concerns over a neck problem. "I am now completely fit again, but the league here has two more matches to go and I do not want to risk getting injured again," he explained. "By terminating my contract, the club can sign an extra foreign player. Now a Brazilian is playing in my place."
European achievements
The 67-times capped De Boer has been in Qatar since summer 2004, having previously won seven European domestic titles – five with Ajax, one with Barcelona and one with Rangers. His biggest achievement came in 1995 when he won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax. His twin brother Frank de Boer announced his retirement in April 2006, having also spent his last seasons in Qatar with Al-Rayyan and Al-Shamal.