Former Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda has decided to retire from professional football at just 28.
The forward was once regarded as one of the Blues’ most promising talents and was even tipped to be the successor to club icon Eden Hazard.
However, recurring injury problems halted Musonda’s career, leading the Belgian to announce early retirement from football.
In an interview with Rising Ballers, he said: “It took some time. I have been thinking about it for the last couple of years. Purely because of my own experiences and who I am as a person.
“I want to be doing things with purpose. I want to inspire and motivate people. I want to create opportunities. I am starting something new that will hopefully help players.
“Today, I have made a decision. It is a decision I have been wrestling with for a long time, but I am going to retire from professional football. It is not an easy decision, but I am building up towards the next stage now.
“I will still be involved in football. In roles to help players express themselves and giving them an opportunity to showcase how good they are.”
Musonda joined Chelsea from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2012, and impressed with his performances for the youth teams.
Operating as a winger, he scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 52 appearances for the Under21 side.
Following a loan spell at Real Betis, Musonda made his first-team debut for Chelsea in August 2017 against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield.
Permanent deal on the line: Sancho’s next few weeks crucial for Chelsea stay
Trending
Permanent deal on the line: Sancho’s next few weeks crucial for Chelsea stay
He made six more appearances for the West Londoners but spent most of time on loan to Celtic and Vitesse Arnhem.
It was in Arnhem that he suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury, which limited him to just four league appearances over the next two seasons.
Musonda eventually left Chelsea in 2022 at the end of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
A move to Levante saw him making 19 appearances for the Segunda Division club before he terminated his contract to join Anorthosis Famagusta in 2023.
Despite signing a three-year deal, he left the Cypriot side in 2024.
Musonda also featured for Belgium’s national youth sides but never earned a senior debut.
Stats from Transfermarkt