Talented Ex-Premier League Midfielder Announces Plans to Retire Aged Only 34

• Dembele clarified that he had not yet hung up his boots, but was planning to do so when his contract came to an end
• Reports indicate that the 34-year old Belgian’s need to be with his family prompted the decision for the fairly early retirement
• He still has a year left on his current club Guangzhou F.C, which he joined after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2019

Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele has disclosed plans to retire from football aged 34.

The midfielder has reportedly rejected a new contract from Chinese club Guangzhou F.C and will call it quits on his career at the end of the season.

Reports from The Sun suggested Dembele was currently in his native Belgium where he was spending time with his children.

While there were suggestions that Dembele had already quit football, the Belgian took to social media to clarify his decisions.

On his Instagram, the former Tottenham man said he was still going, but had plans to retire after 2022.

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“Hi everyone,” he started.

“First of all I would like to thank you all for the nice messages I have received. To clear up, I haven’t stopped yet. I still have a year left on my contract. But I can already share I will stop my career after this year is finished.”

“Underrated Dembele”

The Belgian joined Guangzhou in 2019, after seven years at Tottenham Hotspur where he established himself as a world-class midfielder.

His first stint at English football was with Fulham, but it was under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham that he really made a name for himself.

Reports of his retirement sent fans into a frenzy on social media, with many hailing him as a legend of the modern game.

One fan wrote:

"Mousa Dembele was unplayable on his day. Watching him glide up the pitch in his pomp was a joy."

Another added:

"Dembele was incredible for us… cannot get over just how good he was at times. Thank you & happy retirement."

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Chelsea land in UAE without Tuchel

Elsewhere, Chelsea are currently in the UAE for the Club World Cup, but will have to cope without their tactician Thomas Tuchel.

in the 23-man squad announced by the Stamford Bridge landlords, Reece James was among the players who arrived UAR ahead of their first match on Wednesday, February 8.

Before the Blues traveled out of England,Tuchel was said to have been tested again for COVID-19 and the result returned positive and he is currently self-isolating.