Makaay to call time on career

Former Netherlands striker Roy Makaay has announced he will retire from playing this summer.

The 35-year-old Feyenoord forward will play his final match on 6 May, the second leg of the Dutch Cup final against AFC Ajax.

"Like all decisions in my life, I have taken this one through my own instinct," said Makaay, who added that he will become a youth coach at De Kuip. "Two weeks ago I made the final decision. My instinct and my body told me it had been enough. I am certain I will not make a comeback as a player – I am 1,000% sure."

Makaay started his career with BV Vitesse, making his debut on 4 September 1993 against MVV Maastricht. He went to play for CD Tenerife, RC Deportivo La Coruña, FC Bayern München and Feyenoord, scoring 254 goals in 527 league appearances.

Nicknamed 'Das Phantom' during his time in Germany, Makaay was capped 43 times by the Netherlands and struck six international goals. He won league titles with Deportivo (2000) and Bayern (2005, 2006) and scooped four national cups with Deportivo (2002), Bayern (2005, 2006) and finally Feyenoord two years ago.

In 2003 he became Deportivo's top goalscorer in European competition with 29 strikes. He also hit the UEFA Champions League's fastest ever goal after 10.03 seconds against Real Madrid CF on 7 March 2007.