The 34-year-old made the announcement in a heartfelt message on social media, saying he had lived his dream and thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey.
“Today I announce my retirement from football,” explained Wanyama via a social media statement.
The retirement of Wanyama, who left the East African nation for Europe in 2007 when he joined Helsingborg in Sweden, sparked mixed reactions from a section of stakeholders.
While some felt the former Tottenham midfielder had made the right decision to retire, others opined he still had more years in his career to continue playing.
Wanyama, who won the Scottish Premiership title in his first season with Celtic, has shed light on why he made the decision, blaming it on a recurring knee injury for ‘walking away’ to avoid being stressed.
‘I had to go through pain’
“I’ve been managing it (injury) for some time, and it was time to walk away, not to stress anymore,” said Wanyama as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“I had to go through a lot of pain over the years because of the position I play and how I like to play, with physicality. Now I can’t wait to learn.”
On whether he regrets retiring at an early age, Wanyama responded: “I consider myself lucky to have managed my knee injury for six years before retiring, and I have absolutely no regrets.”
While confirming his retirement, Wanyama hinted at venturing into coaching. Asked if he will be ready to coach in Kenya or Africa, he said: “Coaching in Kenya and Africa is not in my immediate plans.
“I’ve already spoken to clubs in London. I have my foundation here in Nairobi, where I continue to work with young people and train every day. I see working with the younger generation as the initial way forward.
“My dream is to coach in Europe. That has to be my goal.”
At Spurs, Wanyama is remembered for his rocket of an equaliser in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool in 2018, which was voted the Premier League Goal of the Month.
Wanyama became the first-ever Kenyan player to score in the Champions League when he notched the first goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012.
In 2013, Wanyama moved to Southampton for £12.5 million, making him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time, surpassing the £9.5 million Russian club Spartak Moscow paid for Aiden McGeady in 2010.
Wanyama became the captain of the Harambee Stars in 2013, and represented Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
He earned more than 60 caps for Kenya since making his international debut in May 2007 at 15.
