Joel Matip Shockingly Decides Retirement, Liverpool Gives Respect

Joel Matip decided to retire after eight successful seasons with Liverpool (Instagram/@liverpoolfc).

JAKARTA - Former Liverpool player who won the Champions League, Joel Matip, surprisingly announced hanging up his boots at the age of 33.

Matip left Anfield at the end of last season after his contract with the Reds expired. The defender decided to retire after three months of being unemployed.

Previously, he was linked with a move to two Premier League clubs, West Ham and Bournemouth, in the summer. However, it turned out that the move was not realized.

Matip joined Liverpool in 2016 and spent eight brilliant years at Anfield.

He made 201 appearances for the Reds and formed a tough partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

Matip helped bring Jurgen Klopp's men to six trophies including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.

His last appearance came in Liverpool's victory over Fulham 4-3 in December 2023 after he suffered an ACL (anterior cruise league) injury.

"Everyone wishes Joel and his family the best in the future," Liverpool's official statement read.

Liverpool also specifically made uploads on Instagram to honor Joel Matip's success at Anfield.

"Congratulations on your extraordinary career, Joel. Good luck in your retirement. Memories of Joel's eight years with the Reds," Liverpool wrote.

Memories with Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp is one of the close figures with Joel Matip. A year after signing Liverpool, he immediately recruited the Cameroon defender for free and a four-year contract duration.

Many memories that Klopp spent with Matip. The German coach did not hesitate to praise the 33-year-old man's quality.

"Over the years I've been in the world of football, I'm not sure I've met many more loved players than Joel Matip."

"I'm not even sure if it's possible to say something bad about it."

"A great professional, an amazing footballer, and an extraordinary human being."

"We feel lucky to have had him with us all this time. Now all we can do is pray for him as he goes in a new direction."

" Joel's quality as a player is clearly seen by everyone and the club. We have benefited from the first time he joined."

"I don't think he has made headlines too often over the years. However, he has only been a very famous figure in our group."

"I've said before if there was one person who didn't care, or if he was underestimated, it was Joel. However, in reality we judged him higher."

"He doesn't just set standards for himself. He also sets them for others. This is one of the main reasons why he is so successful here," said Jurgen Klopp.