December 10, (THEWILL) – After joining Finland’s third division team Salon Palloilijat, former Nigerian international Taiye Taiwo has stated why he has decided to continue playing professionally.
The 36-year-old leftback has agreed to a one-year deal with the Finnish third-tier club, which will begin on January 1, 2022.
In his storied professional career, Taiwo has played for Olympique de Marseille and AC Milan, and represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa.
“The reason I can play football actively now is that I still have plenty left in the tank,” Taiwo said. “A lot of people always say that Africans retire early but I am living proof that we can still play into our late 30s and early 40s. I know it’s a club in the third division and they are keen to gain promotion.
“It could be my biggest challenge in Finland, another country I can call home. I love challenges, and the ambition of the club to play in the second tier was a big factor in my decision to come back to Finland,” he added.
“I know I could’ve gone elsewhere but imagine achieving success with Salon Palloilijat – people will talk about me forever in the city. At this stage of my life and after the career I have had. I believe I can help the younger players, act like a role model, pass on my knowledge and together we can help the team.”
Taiwo represented Nigeria in 54 international matches, scoring eight goals, including one against Ghana during the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, when the Super Eagles placed third and went home with the bronze.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
