It’s been a big year for football, with many stars of the past hanging up their boots…
Earlier this month, the news was plagued with stories of Thierry Henry’s retirement from football. But he wasn’t the only star to call it a day this year, here is an awesome XI made up of recently retired players.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United Target Among Five Midfielders Wanted By Arsenal As Wenger Reveals January Plans
Top Four Teams With The Most Shots In The Premier League 2014/15 – Liverpool And Arsenal Surprisingly High
Eight Premier League Predictions For 2015: Chelsea To Win The League And Silverware For Liverpool or Spurs
GK) Manuel Almunia
Okay, he might the exception to the word ‘awesome in the title’, but the former Arsenal man had his moments – including a brave performance in the 2006 Champions League final. Made over 100 league appearances for the Gunners.
RB) Javier Zanetti
A legend at Inter Milan, playing 858 games in a spell spanning almost two decades. His final season was the first time he failed to play in at least 30 matches. Won 16 major honours, while also collecting 145 caps for Argentina.
LB) Eric Abidal
Won 15 major honours during his time at Barcelona, winning the Champions League twice. Was also successful in the early stages of his career with Lyon, before finishing his playing time with Monaco and Olympiacos.
CB) Carles Puyol
An even bigger Barcelona legend, the former club captain won 21 major trophies after spending his entire career with the Catalans. He also led Spain to their maiden World Cup triumph in 2010, and victory in Euro 2008.
CB) William Gallas
His playing career including time with Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, with the Frenchman winning four major trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge, including back-to-back Premier League titles.
CM) Ryan Giggs
One of the most iconic players in the club’s history, and now an important member of the coaching staff. The Welshman played 963 times for the Old Trafford side, scoring 168 goals and winning 34 major trophies.
CM) Juan Sebastian Veron
It never quite worked out for him in England with either Manchester United or Chelsea, but he enjoyed a successful club career in South America and Italy, and remained an important part of the Argentina side until 2010, winning 73 caps.
RW) Clarence Seedorf
Enjoyed a successful club career with Real Madrid and Inter Milan before becoming a legend at AC Milan, making 431 appearances and briefly serving as manager earlier this year. Won the Champions League three times, once each with Ajax, Madrid and AC.
AM) Juninho
The former Lyon star and Brazilian international is not to be confused with the best player to ever represent Middlesbrough. Won seven consecutive Ligue 1 titles and more recently starred for the New York Red Bulls.
LW) Rivaldo
Part of the great Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup, he played for a multitude of club sides, but is surely best remembered for his time at Barcelona, where he scored 86 goals in 157 league games between 1997 and 2002.
ST) Thierry Henry
One of, if not the greatest player in Arsenal’s history. The iconic Frenchman scored 226 goals in 369 games before a successful spell with Barcelona which included the Champions League, and a retirement bonus with the New York Red Bulls.
SEE ALSO : Top 100 Sexiest Football WAGs In The World 2014.