Is Steven Pienaaar ready to hang up his boots?
Schillo relishes prospects of return home to put up his feet after years playing overseas
STEVEN Pienaar may have to call time on his football career after he was released from English club, Sunderland.
“If I don’t find a club, then I’ ll have to consider retiring from the game,” Pienaar told the Saturday Star from his home in Westbury yesterday.
Pienaar was in Joburg to attend his annual youth football tournament, which kicked off yesterday.
The 35-year-old midfielder was one of seven Sunderland footballers who were released by the English club last week.
While he has considered retirement, there are several clubs vying for the former Everton player’s signature. Among them are Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and a number of other local football clubs.
Pienaar admitted that a move back to South Africa would be ideal.
“I have been away for a long time. I left as a youngster and never experienced local football, so it would be great to play in my home country.
“I am still to decide on my future but in the next month it will be much clearer.
“I would like to continue for the next two years despite the injuries of the past season I feel I can still go on.”
He spent much of his professional footballing career in England, playing for teams such as Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and most recently Sunderland. He also enjoyed spells at Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam and German team Borussia Dortmund.
But now is the right time to come back home, he says.
“I have been away for so long and had very little time with close family. To come back and be close to my loved ones and see my older daughter grow up would be great.”
Pienaar spent his last season in England battling relegation with Sunderland.
The Tyneside team, under the tutelage of David Moyes, finished last on the log and were subsequently relegated to the Championship.
Pienaar described his stint at Sunderland as one of the “most disappointing seasons of his career”.
“It was tough to play under those circumstances,” said Pienaar.
“Obviously the manager didn’t get enough money to buy players and most of the players weren’t communicating well, because we had many French players in the team.”
He also opened up about his time with for mer club Everton. The attacking midfielder thrived during his two spells at the Merseyside club.
“I spent most of my time in England at Everton. I love the club, I love the city, and the supporters were great to me.”
Pienaar is optimistic that Everton will thrive in the English Premier League next season, following a number of new arrivals at his former club.
“The signings they have made have been incredible, I just hope they push on from the last season and overtake Liverpool.”
Looking back at his career, Pienaar said he enjoyed many memorable moments in his 17 years as a professional footballer.
“Winning the championship with Ajax was massive for me, one of my football highlights. Also, to play in the Champions League with such an exciting young team was a great experience.
“Playing for Borussia Dortmund was huge for me too, they are one of the two best teams in Germany.
“I had a great football experience there. In England, I enjoyed being part of Everton, Spurs and Sunderland, so it has been a memorable journey.