De Jong calls time on career

PSV Eindhoven midfielder John de Jong has announced his retirement following a long battle with persistent knee trouble.

Training ground injury
The 30-year-old has given up hope of a comeback after being sidelined since the last of his 92 Eredivisie appearances for PSV – on 20 March 2005. Nine days later De Jong suffered a slight tear to the ligament in his left knee in training, and although the initial prognosis was for a two or three-week absence, he has not played since. "This has been going on for several years," he said. "I played some friendlies with Young PSV but have never been able to shake off the injury completely. I was treated intensively and have tried everything, but to no avail." The former Dutch international has been at PSV since joining from FC Utrecht in summer 2000.

'Great times'
Today's move ends a career that began 13 years ago at hometown club ADO Den Haag, where he quickly established himself before switching to Utrecht midway through the 1997/98 season. After his transfer to PSV, he was capped once by the Netherlands and also had a six-month loan spell at SC Heerenveen in the 2002/03 campaign. Yet he was never able to shake off the knee injury once it struck. "I love life here and am grateful to PSV for all their support," De Jong continued. "I have had great times here, played with quality players and won several trophies. I would love to stay in Eindhoven and pursue a career here."