Ameobi: I have not retired from football

Nigeria international, Shola Ameobi has revealed that he has not retired and is pining his time ahead of a move to the right club potentially closer to home.

The former Super Eagles and Newcastle United legend has been without a club since being released by the Magpies over the summer, but is yet to officially declare that his playing career is over.

The 36-year-old scored 79 goals in 397 appearances for boyhood club Newcastle during a 14-year spell in the Tynesiders’ first team before leaving St James’ Park in 2014.

Since then, the former Nigeria international, who scored two goals in 10 appearances for the Super Eagles, has played for Turkish outfit Gaziantep, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town and Notts.

 “I’m doing bits and bobs,” Ameobi told Soccer AM when asked about what he has been doing since leaving County.

“I made a decision with the family that I wanted to be closer to Newcastle, which obviously limits the clubs you can look for. I’ve kept myself fit and I haven’t retired officially. It would have to be the right club [for me to sign]. It’s not something I’m actively pursuing but, if something came up, I’d definitely be ready.”

He also added: “I’ve had to think about the future. I’ve done all of my coaching badges and A Licence. I’ve been coaching with the academy for years now since I was at Newcastle. I enjoy passing on what I learnt because I grew up in that academy and have a lot of experiences.”