Jonathan Mensah calls time on professional football

Former Ghana international Jonathan Mensah has called time on his professional football career.

The 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner announced his retirement from the sport on Monday, November 9, calling time on an impressive career.

The 36-year-old expressed satisfaction with the career he had built while thanking all who played a part in his journey.

“Today, I close one chapter with a heart full of gratitude. While my playing career comes to an end, my relationship with football never will,” he wrote.

Mensah enjoyed a distinguished international career, claiming 70 caps for Ghana and representing the country at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

He was part of the Ghana U-20 team that won the African Youth Championship in 2009 before going on to lift the U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

He also played for several clubs across different countries, including Ashanti Gold, Free State Stars, Udinese, Granada, Evian Thonon Gaillard, Anzhi Makhachkala, Columbus Crew, San Jose Earthquakes and New England Revolution.

Mensah singled out his time with Columbus Crew as particularly special, expressing gratitude to the club and the city of Columbus for welcoming him and his family.

“To Columbus, Ohio, and the Columbus Crew family, you gave me more than a club. You gave me a home. This city and this organisation will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.