AMSTERDAM: Ryan Babel, a former winger for both Ajax and Liverpool, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. The Dutch player shared the news of his retirement on Saturday, leaving a mark on the sport that has been a significant part of his life. According to Anadolu Agency, Babel expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt message on the social media platform X, stating, "RETIRED. Thank You Football." In a video accompanying his announcement, Babel reflected on his career, saying, "Football gave me everything I dreamed of and so much more. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, fans and even the media who have been part of this incredible adventure. This game will forever be in my heart. Thank you." Babel's career began in Amsterdam, where he played for his boyhood club Ajax, contributing to their success with two Dutch titles. His journey in football took him to Liverpool, where he played as an attacker for three and a half years, from July 2007 to January 2011 , scoring 22 goals in 146 appearances for the English Premier League club. Beyond Liverpool, Babel showcased his talent at various clubs, including England's Fulham, Germany's Hoffenheim, and Turkish archrivals Besiktas and Galatasaray. In 2017, Babel played a pivotal role in securing the Turkish championship with Besiktas. On the international stage, he earned 69 caps for the Netherlands and was part of the national squad for the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. His last professional engagement was with the Turkish club Eyupspor in 2023, marking the end of an illustrious career in football.