Former Newcastle United right-back announces surprise retirement aged 32

Former Newcastle United right-back Daryl Janmaat has retired from football aged 32.

Janmaat, who made 77 appearances for the Magpies between 2014 and 2016, has cut his playing career short to become technical manager at ADO Den Haag.

The Dutchman started out at Den Haag before enjoying spells at Heerenveen, Feyenoord, Newcastle and Watford. He then returned the Netherlands outfit in 2020.

Janmaat had one year remaining on his playing contract but has decided to step into the off-field with immediate effect.

Janmaat explains his decision to retire

The former Holland international explained: “ADO Den Haag truly is my club, and I have not regretted a single second of my return to the club one and a half years ago.

“Although I still had a player contract for one season, I was doubting whether I wanted to keep playing. My ambition is to stay active and involved in the world of football, but in another role.

“When I received the opportunity to take on this role at ADO Den Haag, I did not have to think long about my decision.

“I am very happy with this fantastic opportunity, and I would like to thank the club for the confidence that they have placed in me.

“To carry out this job, I will be able to rely on my experiences in the world of football and the network that I have built throughout my professional playing career. This is an ideal next step for me.”

His time at Newcastle

Janmaat was a fans’ favourite during his debut season on Tyneside but things turned sour with the Dutchman part of the side that was relegated from the Premier League in 2016.

The defender didn’t hang around either as he sealed a return to the top-flight in a £7million move to Watford.

Speaking about his decision to leave United, Janmaat said: “(Rafa) Benitez wanted me to stay at the beginning but he also knew there was some interest and he always told me that he only wants players who are ‘100% focused on staying’, so when Watford and other clubs came in then there was a lot of talk.

“I thought about it and thought that, yes, I wanted to stay in the Premier League and it was also a factor for me with the national team.

“It also meant that Newcastle could get money for me so it felt like it was the right thing to do for everyone. I never felt bad about Newcastle.”