Latest news with #Musonda
Metro
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Former Chelsea wonderkid confirms retirement from football at just 28
Charly Musonda, once predicted to be a future superstar for Chelsea and Belgium, has retired from football at just 28 years old. The winger joined the Chelsea academy from Anderlecht in 2012 and big things were expected of him, starring in the Blues youth sides that racked up silverware at the time. However, he only ever made seven first team appearances for the Blues, spending time away from the club on loan at Real Betis, Celtic and Vitesse. Injuries badly hampered the Belgian and he eventually left Chelsea permanently in 2022 for Spanish side Levante, then moved to Cypriot outfit Anorthis a year later. Musonda left his final club last year and has now confirmed that he has hung up his boots for good. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. 'It took some time. I have been thinking about it for the last couple of years,' Musonda told Rising Ballers. 'Purely because of my own experiences and who I am as a person. 'I want to be doing things with purpose. I want to inspire and motivate people. I want to create opportunities. I am starting something new that will hopefully help players. 'Today, I have made a decision. It is a decision I have been wrestling with for a long time, but I am going to retire from professional football. It is not an easy decision, but I am building up towards the next stage now. 'I will still be involved in football. In roles to help players express themselves and giving them an opportunity to showcase how good they are. 'I'm still young but I want to help players who don't have the chance to showcase their talent. 'I know how it feels and with football changing so much, many players never get the opportunity to show what they can do, I want to make a difference.' Musonda's worst injury was picked up while on loan at Vitesse, suffering a knee problem which left doctors predicting he would never play again. He did make a return to the pitch and played for Chelsea's Under-23 side as he built back his fitness, but left Stamford Bridge when his contract ended in 2022, something which he says damaged him badly. 'The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing,' he said. 'I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan. 'Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves. Feeling amazing, happy to be back—obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing. 'The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn't really see the first team. More Trending 'Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager. 'They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, 'How are you feeling? How are things going?' 'It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing you back' and I said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back for pre-season.' 'Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I'd be back with the first team and we'd see from there. So I came back for pre-season and that's where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea.' MORE: Tottenham optimistic about signing Chelsea-linked forward with £85m release clause MORE: Sporting director responds to claims Chelsea have agreed transfer deal for £55m star MORE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Tottenham offered Chelsea star after £60m transfer
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Celtic star retires aged 28 as he announces heart-breaking news in emotional interview
HE was tipped to have the world at his feet by this stage of his career after once emerging as one of the most promising talents in Europe. But now aged 28, this former Celtic wonderkid has instead closed the curtain on his football career after a major fall from grace. 4 Charly Musonda was once the next big thing Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 He was highly-rated in the club's youth ranks Credit: PA:Empics Sport 4 He had one iconic moment during his time in Scotland Credit: Reuters Charly Musonda has officially announced his retirement from football - seven years after his short stint on loan at Parkhead. Musonda joined Celtic for just four months during Brendan Rodgers' first stint as manager and struggled to live up to the hype following his breakthrough at Chelsea. A Uefa Youth League and two-time FA Youth Cup winner with Chelsea, Musonda was tipped to emulate Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge. But after a series of setbacks his career never reached the heights everyone expected and he was finally released in 2022. He made just eight appearances under Rodgers in Glasgow and what seemed like an exciting signing for fans at the time ended up fading into disappointment. He had punters at the edge of their seats from the moment he joined after he chose 67 as his shirt number as tribute to the Lisbon Lions. But the only real memorable moment from him - in what was a rather forgettable spell - was his iconic assist for Callum McGregor in the 1-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League. Musonda announced his retirement in an emotional video posted by Rising Ballers. He opened up on his years of injury hell and how his setbacks left him with no choice but to finally hang up his boots. Musonda said: "I've got a big announcement today. Celtic loan star Charly Musonda teases short clip of documentary on his life as a young footballer "It's not easy but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I've realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others." Musonda spent years in the Chelsea reserve team in amongst spells at Real Betis, Celtic and Vitesse Arnhem. But he admitted that walking out of the door of Stamford Bridge for the final time "killed" him. He continued: "The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing. "I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan. 4 Musonda dueling for the ball with Lionel Messi while playing for Real Betis Credit: Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be publish "Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves. "Feeling amazing, happy to be back—obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing. "The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn't really see the first team. "Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager. "They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, 'How are you feeling? How are things going?. "It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing you back and I said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back for pre-season. "Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I'd be back with the first team and we'd see from there. "So I came back for pre-season and that's where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea's 'next Eden Hazard' retires aged just 28 after being 'killed' by exit
Former Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda left Stamford Bridge in 2022 and just three years down the line, has decided to hang up his boots in an emotional announcement Ex- Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda has decided to retire at just 28 three years after leaving West London. The Belgian winger joined the Blues from Anderlecht in 2012, moving through the Blues' youth system until his eventual breakthrough. He made his first-team debut for Chelsea in 2017 and went on to make seven senior appearances for the club. Big things were expected of Musonda and he was even tipped to be the successor to club icon and compatriot Eden Hazard. But things then went downhill for Musonda in West London after loan spells with Real Betis, Celtic and Vitesse Arnhem. He eventually left the club for nothing in 2022 at the end of his contract, with Levante and Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta then making moves for him. But he left the latter last summer and has been without a club since. Musonda has now decided to hang up his boots despite having only 63 appearances under his belt. Speaking on the Rising Ballers podcast, he said: "I've got a big announcement today. It's not easy but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I've realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others." Opening up on his time with Chelsea - and eventual exit - Musonda has revealed that his departure from the club was the catalyst behind his downturn in form. He added: "The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing. 'I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan. "Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves. Feeling amazing, happy to be back—obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing. "The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn't really see the first team. Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager. "They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, 'How are you feeling? How are things going?. "It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing you back and I said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back for pre-season. "Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I'd be back with the first team and we'd see from there. So I came back for pre-season and that's where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Chelsea wonderkid dubbed ‘next Eden Hazard' retires aged 28 and admits Blues exit ‘killed me'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda, once tipped to follow in Eden Hazard's footsteps, has retired from football. Musonda announced his retirement from professional football at just 28 years old. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 8 Charly Musonda was one of the brightest spots at Chelsea before injury Credit: AP:Associated Press 8 He was supposed to be the next Eden Hazard Credit: AFP 8 Young bright and promising but it all never happened for him Credit: PA:Empics Sport The Belgian forward revealed the heart-wrenching news, explaining that years of injuries had left him with no choice but to hang up his boots — despite still being young. In an emotional video posted on Rising Ballers, Musonda said: "I've got a big announcement today. "It's not easy but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I've realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others." Musonda admitted that leaving Chelsea "killed" him, and his career has been overshadowed by a string of injuries and loan moves that never quite worked out. The emotional winger spoke about his Chelsea exit: "The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing. "I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan. "Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves. "Feeling amazing, happy to be back—obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn't really see the first team. "Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager. Why Chelsea could sign Garnacho | Transfers Exposed "They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, 'How are you feeling? How are things going?. "It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing you back and I said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back for pre-season. "Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I'd be back with the first team and we'd see from there. "So I came back for pre-season and that's where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea." 8 Charly was football's brightest youngster on his way to greatness 8 He had loan spells to try and get back to his best form but it just never happened Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow 8 He was the darling of Cobham training centre Credit: INSTAGRAM @musonda Despite the pain, Musonda isn't bitter, instead, he's channelling his experiences into helping the next generation. He added about his future plans: "I want to do things with purpose. I want to inspire people and create opportunities. "I'm still young but I want to help players who don't have the chance to showcase their talent. "I know how it feels and with football changing so much, many players never get the opportunity to show what they can do, I want to make a difference." Once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in European football, Musonda's potential was often compared to that of Hazard's during his early days at Stamford Bridge. 8 Charly admits his Chelsea exit killed him Credit: Getty 8 on his day, he was unstoppable Credit: PA:Press Association However, a series of setbacks-including loan spells at Real Betis and Vitesse Arnhem, meant his career never reached the heights everyone expected. Despite flashes of brilliance during his time away from Chelsea, Musonda made only a handful of appearances for the Blues and his once-promising future faded into disappointment. It's the end of a career that promised so much but ultimately never delivered. However, Musonda's drive to give back could help the next generation avoid the pitfalls that derailed his own career.
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Former Chelsea wonderkid dubbed ‘next Eden Hazard' retires aged 28 and admits Blues exit ‘killed me'
FORMER Chelsea wonderkid Charly Musonda, once tipped to follow in Eden Hazard's footsteps, has retired from football. Musonda announced his retirement from professional football at just 28 years old. 8 Charly Musonda was one of the brightest spots at Chelsea before injury Credit: AP:Associated Press 8 He was supposed to be the next Eden Hazard Credit: AFP 8 Young bright and promising but it all never happened for him Credit: PA:Empics Sport The Belgian forward revealed the heart-wrenching news, explaining that years of injuries had left him with no choice but to hang up his boots — despite still being young. In an emotional video posted on Rising Ballers, Musonda said: "I've got a big announcement today. "It's not easy but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I've realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others." Musonda admitted that leaving READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS The emotional winger spoke about his Chelsea exit: "The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing. "I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan. "Because I literally had just gotten better. I came back in December-January and was training with the reserves. "Feeling amazing, happy to be back—obviously it was a long way for me to be fully fit, but just being able to train was amazing. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn't really see the first team. "Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel , the manager. Why Chelsea could sign Garnacho | Transfers Exposed "They were getting ready for the semi-final of the Champions League and he just said, 'How are you feeling? How are things going?. "It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing you back and I said, 'Don't worry, I'll be back for pre-season. "Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I'd be back with the first team and we'd see from there. "So I came back for pre-season and that's where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea." 8 Charly was football's brightest youngster on his way to greatness 8 He had loan spells to try and get back to his best form but it just never happened Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow 8 He was the darling of Cobham training centre Credit: INSTAGRAM @musonda Despite the pain, Musonda isn't bitter, instead, he's channelling his experiences into helping the next generation. He added about his "I'm still young but I want to help players who don't have the chance to showcase their talent. "I know how it feels and with football changing so much, many players never get the opportunity to show what they can do, I want to make a difference." Once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in European football, Musonda's potential was often compared to that of Hazard's during his early days at Stamford Bridge. 8 Charly admits his Chelsea exit killed him Credit: Getty 8 on his day, he was unstoppable Credit: PA:Press Association However, a series of setbacks-including loan spells at Despite flashes of brilliance during his time away from Chelsea, Musonda made only a handful of appearances for the Blues and his once-promising future faded into disappointment. It's the end of a career that promised so much but ultimately never delivered. However, Musonda's drive to give back could help the next generation avoid the pitfalls that derailed his own career.
