Former Premier League midfielder Marco van Ginkel has hung up his boots aged just 33 after a career ravaged by injuries. Van Ginkel, who came through the ranks at Dutch side Vitesse, originally signed for Chelsea in 2013 and didn’t leave until 2021.

However, during his seven-year stint, he managed just two Premier League appearances, with most of Van Ginkel’s time at the club spent out on loan. It included stints with Stoke City and AC Milan, as well as PSV Eindhoven, who he joined on a permanent basis in 2021.

A return to Vitesse followed, before Van Ginkel was part of a group of nine players signed by Boavista on free transfers in February 2025, after a transfer ban was lifted on the Portuguese side. He did not continue with them beyond the 2024/25 season, and one year on from his last move, has eventually pulled the plug on his career altogether.

Posting on Instagram, the ex-Chelsea ace said: After 16 years, I’m saying goodbye to professional football. A journey filled with highs and lows, lessons learned and memories I’ll cherish forever. Thanks to everyone who stood by me along...