Five Players Who Played For Too Long!

Players such as Ryan Giggs, Cafu and David Beckham were all perfect examples that longevity and football can go together. But then again there are also the players that played too long... the likes of Shola Ameobi for example. This article will list five players that should of climbed into their slippers earlier. 

Sol Campbell:

Sulzeer.. I mean Sol!

Sol Campbell, or Judas as Tottenham Hotspur fans would refer to him, was nine years ago, a pivotal member of the Arsenal Invincible side that took the Premier League by storm; he was one of the best centre backs in the world, if not, the best. He was one of the fastest centre backs England had ever seen. Five years after the glory days of Arsenal, Sol moved to Notts County, for one game. He left the club by mutual consent. Perhaps it should of been here where he finally called it a day. But he felt as if he had something left in his locker. In 2010, he began training with Arsenal, and with their shaky defensive problems was offered a short, but romantic return to the Emirates; he impressed, netting against Porto in the Champions League. But with the season coming to a close Arsene Wenger deemed him surplus of requirements. This should of been where he retired. Instead he signed a one year contract with Newcastle United, and he failed to impress.The highlight of his Toon being the football bouncing of his head in a 3-1 victory against Liverpool. After being released once more. Sol Finally called it a day. 

Old Teddy.

Teddy Sherringham:

Most people below the age of sixteen will only remember Teddy Sherringham from their sticker albums as a child. But about sixteen years ago, Teddy Sherringham was rubbing shoulders with: Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand for England's best striker. Born in 1966, Sherringham played for ten different clubs; he even holds a rare distinction for an Englishman, having played abroad at Djurgardens FC. His most successful stint at a side to date would be in the treble-winning side- Manchester United, during the 1998-1999 season; he scored the equaliser from David Beckhams corner against Bayern Munich, in one of the Champions League's finest comebacks. Sherringham remained at the top level until 2007, when he was released from West Ham. This is the point when the -then 41- year old should of hung up his boots. But instead he joined the Championship side Colchester United, and had a dull season. He managed 3 goals in 19 appearances. At the age of 42, Sherringham retired in 2008. He remains one of the oldest players to ever appear in the Premier League.

Regretting missing that penalty, Ruud?

 Ruud Van Nistelroy:

As a child the Premier League was dominated by two strikers: Thierry Henry and Ruud Van Nistelroy. Ruud Van Nistelroy was one of the best strikers to ever grace the Premier League, breaking records with every stride. He holds the record for the most consecutive games scoring record; with eight. Another impressive record Van Nistelroy holds is that he is Manchester United's all time top Champions League scorer, with 35 goals. After his five year contract ran down with the might of Manchester, he moved the Galacticos of Real Madrid; where he would continue to prosper, netting 46 times in 68 appearances. However, with the arrival of Jose 'The Special One' Mourhino, he was deemed surplus of requirements at the Santiago Bernabau. Like the players above, perhaps this is where Van Nistelroy should of called it a day. From here, he moved to Germany with Hamburger SV finding the net 12 times, in 36 appearances. He would then move to the then mega-rich Malaga in which he would undergo the worst season in his illustrious career; a sign the legend had fallen. Only finding the goal 4 times, in 28 appearances. He finally decided to call it a day, on a negative note.

Rivaldo:

The Brazilian is the only player on the list still playing; he plies his trade currently in his native Brazil with São Caetano, at 41 years of age, Rivaldo should be well past his sell by date. But he is still kickin' around; for lower league material, at that. Having played for fourteen different sides, all around the globe, one thing he does not lack is experience. Two moments live long in the memory, both completely different. His sensational overhead kick when he played for Barcelona. Then his infamous fall against Turkey in the 2002 World Cup. The last 'big' club he played for was AC Milan in 2004. He still has talent, but perhaps, it is time for the mercurial talent to hang his boots up, before it fades away.

Romario:

Yeah.. He's that Legend on FIFA14

Another Brazilian superstar that played in too long for his own good. Romario, was voted the best player in Brazil's 1994 winning World Cup campaign; he was also top scorer on that occasion. Renowned for his 'poking' of the ball technique, Romario once said he was second only to Pele in terms of footballing ability. Romario has a club list as long as your arm, and holds the unique distinction along with the likes of Pele, to have scored 1000 goals. After leaving Valencia in 1997, aged 31, he played for Fluminenseno fewer than four times, often leaving to join poorer teams than he played for in his prime and re-joining. His ability to score never faded, but the interest from the big teams faded; which speaks levels. Playing for likes of Miami may of offered a huge pay-cheque, but it was never a league that would be difficult to score in- in all fairness. The Brazilian finally retired in 2009, aged 43. Perhaps ten years too late.