Ooijer to retire at end of season

Ajax defender Andre Ooijer has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 55-cap Dutch international, 37, who has also played for PSV Eindhoven and Blackburn during his career, made the announcement on Tuesday on Ajax's club website.

He said: "In recent months I have already hinted that I had the idea that I could not play another season.

"My role has changed in recent years. Last week I told the coach how I thought about it.

"I wanted this weekend to talk it over with some people and think carefully about the decision I have finally announced this morning."

Ajax coach Frank de Boer admitted Ooijer's announcement did not come as a shock.

"It was not a surprise for us, because I speak with Andre on a regular basis," he said.

"He hadn't made a final decision yet the last time we spoke, but he was already leaning toward retiring.

"It is a combination of his age and his current situation at Ajax. We therefore did not really consider him for next season, although we will certainly miss him."