Sport
Swiss Footballer Silvan Wallner Retires at 22 to Focus on Following Jesus Christ
Silvan Wallner, a 22-year-old Swiss midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football to focus on his faith and commitment to following Jesus Christ.
Wallner, who began his professional career in 2020 with FC Zurich, has played over 100 matches across different clubs, including Wil and Austrian side Blau-Weiß Linz.
He joined Linz on a two-year contract in September and was expected to play a pivotal role in the team.
However, his announcement has shifted the focus from his athletic prowess to his deeply personal convictions.
In a statement released through his current club, Wallner explained his decision, emphasizing the importance of his Christian faith.
“I am a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life,” he said.
“I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and the biblical day of rest has become important to me.
This means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays.”
Wallner also clarified that he is not affiliated with any particular church but made this decision based on his understanding of the Bible and his personal convictions.
Wallner’s choice to step away from professional football has sparked a range of reactions.
While some fans and pundits are surprised by his decision to retire at such a young age, many have expressed admiration for his courage and commitment to his beliefs.
His statement also included gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career.
“I say a big thank you to people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career,” he added.
The young midfielder was recently part of the Swiss U21 national team and made his last international appearance in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that English clubs are struggling to meet Victor Osimhen’s financial demands. Osimhen, who is currently on a season-long loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is expected to secure a permanent move away from the Serie A side this summer.
Top Premier League teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have been linked with the Super Eagles striker, but Romano believes his wage expectations could block any potential transfer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that Osimhen wants to maintain the €12 million net salary he earns at Napoli, in addition to commissions and his €75 million release clause. “No English club is prepared to meet his €12 million net salary demand,” Romano said.
Last summer, Osimhen came close to joining Chelsea after the Blues reached a late loan deal with Napoli. However, the move collapsed as Chelsea refused to break their wage structure to accommodate him.
Russia and Nigeria are set to clash in an international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, June 6. The Russia Football Union confirmed the venue on its official website.
It will be Russia’s first game at the Luzhniki Stadium since their World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 1, 2021. This match also marks the first time Russia and Nigeria will face each other at the senior level.
After the game against Nigeria, Russia will travel to Minsk to play another friendly against Belarus on Tuesday, June 10. Before the showdown with Russia, the Super Eagles will feature in the Unity Cup invitational tournament in London this May.
Eric Chelle’s men are scheduled to face long-time rivals, Ghana’s Black Stars, in their opening game on Wednesday, May 28. Other teams participating in the Unity Cup include the Reggae Boys of Jamaica and the Soca Warriors of Trinidad and Tobago.
Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins has picked Cristiano Ronaldo as his Greatest of All Time ahead of Lionel Messi.
Speaking on the Football Fans Tribe podcast, the former Newcastle and Inter Milan striker described Ronaldo as a machine, praising his ability to keep scoring goals despite his age.
Martins said, “I would choose Ronaldo. He’s a machine. He’s still playing and scoring goals. Playing in so many different countries is really hard.”
He also spoke about Messi’s calm personality, saying, “People love Messi because he is calm and doesn’t seem arrogant. But sometimes, as a footballer, you need a little arrogance to push yourself.”
During his career, Martins went head-to-head with both legends four times. He faced Messi when Rubin Kazan clashed with Barcelona in the 2010/11 UEFA Champions League group stage and played against Ronaldo during his time at Newcastle United in the Premier League.
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