Guinea: José Kanté announces retirement

José Kanté will play the last matches of his career this year. The Guinea international has decided to retire at the end of the calendar year, straight after the Club World Cup, in which he will feature with his Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds. It was the Japanese side who announced the news. "We would like to inform you that José Kanté (33) will retire at the end of the 2023 season", reads a statement on the club's official website.

José Kanté promptly confirmed the news in a post. "I will be happy, calm and proud. I will retire with that in mind, but above all I am grateful to football, which has shaped me all my life. I have always been ambitious for the good of the game. That is why, even though I have announced my retirement, I would like to express my gratitude to all the fans and supporters who have great respect for me and have high expectations of us, as well as to Urawa Reds", the player wrote.

But before he hangs up his boots for good, José Kanté would like one last outing with the Guinea national team. And the 33-year-old striker has the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in his sights. "I hope to represent Guinea one last time and support my team-mates at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. So I am waiting for the coach's decision to see whether I go to the AFCON or not. If he wants me to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, it will be my last tournament. Otherwise, I will be the best supporter back home", said Kanté, who has 26 caps for Guinea.