Former Ghana U-17 star Sadick Adams, who officially announced his retirement from professional football after a 16-year career, has disclosed what influenced his decision to do so.
The 33-year-old, who shared a heartfelt message on his Facebook page, expressed his gratitude to the clubs he played for, his coaches, and his teammates.
“Today is a difficult day for me, but it is also a day of reflection and gratitude. Playing for all these clubs during my football career has been a tremendous honor. With much sadness but without regret, I realize that I am no longer able to adhere to the unwavering standard of excellence that professional football demands,” Adams wrote.
“I love the game of football so much, and I know there is truly only one acceptable way to play. Knowing I can no longer compete at a level that I find acceptable. This decision is mine alone, and although I know this will not bring me happiness, it is the right and honorable action to take at this time in my life. I cherished every moment of my Football career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have played,” he added.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Happy FM’s Wamputu Sports with Joe Debrah, Adams sadly disclosed that coming to such a decision was a tough but necessary one.
“During my playing days, I never had problems with injuries. The only injuries I suffered were muscle tears and arm strings. I received an offer from Iraq after returning from playing in Bangladesh for a while and just with a few days for me to move to and sign the contract I felt severe back pain and had to go to the hospital. It was something serious that affected one of my legs which left me paralyzed for a year and a half”.
Adams began his career on a high note, playing a major role in Ghana’s U-17 team’s fourth-place finish at the 2007 U-17 World Cup. He scored four goals, including one in Spain’s semi-final loss.
His efforts won him a transfer from AshantiGold to Atletico Madrid, where he played for the B squad among prominent players such as Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.
However, he struggled to break into Atletico’s first team and subsequently had spells at FK Vojvodina in Serbia, Étoile du Sahel and Hammam-Sousse in Tunisia, Al-Ansar, Berekum Chelsea, Al-Nahda, Al-Feiha, Turk Ocagi, Asante Kotoko, Shabab Bourj, and Arambagh KS.
Throughout his career, Adams represented a total of 14 different clubs. One of his standout moments came in the 2017 MTN FA Cup final, where he scored a memorable hat-trick to help Kotoko secure a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Hearts of Oak and claim the trophy in Tamale.
Adams after impressing for the U-17 earned call-ups to the U-20 team Black Satellites and also made a couple of appearances for the Black Stars.
By: Ahashie Judeliver Eli
