Defender Rob Penders is preparing to hang up his boots after finding life at NAC Breda difficult this term.
Stopper to call time on career at end of season
Veteran defender Rob Penders is preparing to hang up his boots after finding life at NAC Breda difficult this season.
The 34-year-old, who arrived in Breda 10 years ago, will retire from the game at the end of June next year when his contract expires.
Penders admits he has found the going tough this campaign and, after 17 seasons in professional football, is ready to call it a day.
"I first had doubts last season, when I almost extended my contract," Penders told
Voetbal International.
"My body was not top and I wanted to finish the season first.
"This season, I really think it's physically too heavy for me.
"I still love football, but I'm done with it after all these years."
Struggle
NAC have struggled to make an impact in the league this season and are currently without a permanent manager following the departure of Robert Maaskant in the summer.
Penders, however, insists the club's issues are not the reason for his retirement, adding: "The problems of the club are not taken in my decision."
The stopper is adamant new technical director Pierre van Hooijdonk will not persuade him to change his mind over his decision.
"No, I'm very confident in my decision," he added. "I'm not such a big talker, but with my wife, I talked about it of course.
"You assess the balance and weigh things up and then I finally reached this decision."
