Kenwyne Jones hangs up his boots

Kenwyne Jones
Kenwyne Jones

UPDATED:

Former national football captain Kenwyne Jones will hang up his boots at the end of the year. Jones was released by his Major League Soccer (MLS) club Atlanta United yesterday, and the dreadlocked striker, in an immediate response, posted on Twitter: “Football has been great to me, I thank everyone who has helped me on the way, I appreciate you, but this is my last year in the sport.”

Jones, just 33 years old, in an Instagram post, thanked several of the clubs he has played for in a professional career which spanned 15 years and saw him play in five countries.

Never have I ever imagined that a little boy from Trinidad and Tobago would have became a note in the world of football, I wanna thank everyone that helped me along way , from every piece of advice to every critic and well wisher , thank you. This sport have given me a lot and I’ll be forever grateful , I wanna thank , Southampton F.C. , Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland Afc , Stoke City F.C. , Cardiff F.C. , Al Jazira F.C. AFC Bournemouth and last but not least Atlanta United F.C. for the times I’ve had at the clubs , you’ve embraced me and I I love you for it , this was my last year in the sport and I’ll be forever grateful... But most of all I wanna the Almighty God for life , health and strength and also the gift that he gave me to play this game , my family thank you for sticking it out with me.... #onelove ... peace be to you all #Dadaout

A post shared by Kenwyne Jones (@kenwynejonestt) on


“Never have I ever imagined that a little boy from Trinidad and Tobago would have become a note in the world of football, I wanna than everyone that helped me along (the) way, from every piece of advice to every critic and well wisher, thank you,” he said.

Jones, born in Point Fortin, began turning heads in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) as a dominant force with St Anthony’s College. He made his pro debut with Joe Public before shifting to W Connection and then moving to Southampton in England, quickly making a name for himself as a scoring threat. He played the English Premier league with Sunderland, Stoke City and Cardiff and had stints with Bournemouth, Al Jazira, Central FC and then Atlanta United. “‘My decision to retire from playing has not been an easy one for me but having thought about it at length, and having discussed it with those closest to me, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career,” Jones said yesterday.

Jones was named Trinidad and Tobago Footballer of the Year in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

He was named Sunderland Player of the Year in 2007/2008 as well as Players’ Player of the Year that same season.

Jones played in two World Cups – the 2001 FIFA Under 17 Men’s World Cup in TT and the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. He appeared in three Concacaf Gold Cups in 2005, 2013 and 2015.

“I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have enjoyed the career I’ve had and I’ve loved every moment of it, being part of history and playing before fans of my country and the different teams I represented. It has been a huge distinction to captain my national team both at the senior and youth level and these were some of the best years of my life.”

Speaking to Newsday yesterday, former national player Brent Sancho, who competed alongside Jones at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, expressed shock at Jones’ decision.

“I’m really shocked to see that. I know Atlanta wasn’t picking up his option but I don’t think that’s reason to retire,” said the Central FC owner. Sancho heaped praise on Jones for his deportment and believes he still has a lot of football in him still.

“Without a doubt, we had him at Central FC and I thought he was an absolute professional in the way he carried about himself. On and off the pitch he was a handful. He scored a number of goals for us and he can still definitely ply his trade at any of the leagues with his ability. He many not be able to play a leading role as before, but he can play a role,” he said.

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"Kenwyne Jones hangs up his boots"

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