Ghana midifelder Isaac Shaze has announced his retirement from professional football to 'focus on the next chapter' in his career.
He leaves the game at 33 years after playing for over ten clubs in his career.
Shaze says he wants to start a new adventure by helping the next crop of footballers reach their dreams of playing professionally.
He released a lengthy statement on Saturday, February 4 thanking all previous clubs he has played for and individuals who helped him reach his dream of playing professionally.
Isaac Shaze started out at Right to Dream and had playing stints in England, Sweden, and Finland.
He has not been capped for Ghana at any level.
Read his full statement below:
TO EVERYONE
This will be the hardest decision i will take in my life. I have decide to retire from professional football and to focus on the next chapter in life.
It has been a fantastic journey for me. A journey I was very passionate, dedicated, committed, and motivated about, and loved every bit of it. The challenges that comes with this sport, has shaped me to become a stronger person and I learnt a lot on and off the pitch.
Becoming a professional footballer was my dream and thanks to Allah I lived to live such dream. I am super proud of myself for being able to do what I loved, from days when I started in Nima. I feel really blessed because the sport made me meet amazing people around the world, it gave me the opportunity to work with fantastic coaches, played with amazing players, played for amazing clubs and lived in beautiful cities.
To my pervious cherished and adored clubs Inter Millas, Right to dream, Östersund FK, Umeå, Östers IF, Gefle IF, KPV Kokkola, FC Trollhättan. I want to say a big thanks to you all for giving me the opportunity to play for your club. I want to thank all the coaches who believe in me to play for them.
Thanks to Chelsea coach Graham Protter who gave me my first professional contract.
Thanks to Hartpury college, the best college and university that gave me the opportunity to play football and study to become the person I am now.
Thanks to Tom Vernon. The man who has change a lot of young talents life in Ghana and Africa. I couldn't have come this far in my life without the opportunity he gave me. To all the stuffs at Right to Dream I say a big thanks to you all. To all my pervious club fans, the love and support you gave me during the seasons were massive and for that i am very grateful.
My family, without your dedication in the early days, without such an amazing upbringing. I wouldn't lived what I grew up dreaming about, which is this beautiful profession, football. I say a big thank you to everyone.
My amazing friends and players I have played with I say a big thanks to you all for helping me and pushing me to the limit.
It's time to focus on the next chapter in line with my career by way of helping young football talents across the world to reach their ultimate dreams and potential goals.
Thank You EVERYONE