Former Chelsea wonderkid, Charly Musonda announces retirement at just 28

Former Chelsea starlet, Charly Musonda, has decided to retire from professional football at just 28.

The Belgian forward was once regarded as one of the Blues’ most promising talents and was even tipped to be the successor to club icon Eden Hazard.

However, recurring injury problems left him with no choice but to hang up his boots despite still being young.

In an interview with Rising Ballers, he said: “It took some time. I have been thinking about it for the last couple of years. Purely because of my own experiences and who I am as a person.

“I want to be doing things with purpose. I want to inspire and motivate people. I want to create opportunities. I am starting something new that will hopefully help players.

“Today, I have made a decision. It is a decision I have been wrestling with for a long time, but I am going to retire from professional football. It is not an easy decision, but I am building up towards the next stage now.

“I will still be involved in football. In roles to help players express themselves and giving them an opportunity to showcase how good they are.”

Musonda joined Chelsea from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2012 and impressed with his performances for the youth teams.

Operating as a winger, he scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 52 appearances for the Under21 side.

Following a loan spell at Real Betis, Musonda made his first-team debut for Chelsea in August 2017 against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.

He made six more appearances for the West Londoners but spent most of time on loan to Celtic and Vitesse Arnhem.