Valentinos Sielis Announces Retirement from Professional Football

Veteran defender Valentinos Sielis has officially announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to a career that spanned over 15 years, multiple countries, and a journey filled with character, resilience, and quiet leadership.

In an emotional statement shared via social media, the 34-year-old reflected on his footballing journey with gratitude and pride:

“With deep emotion and a sense of fulfilment, I bring my football journey to an end. It was a path filled with challenges, experiences, lessons — and above all, passion.”

Sielis began his career in England, spending his formative years in the youth academies of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, before returning to Cyprus where he made his professional breakthrough. His most notable domestic spells came with Anorthosis Famagusta and AEL Limassol, where he earned a reputation as a disciplined and reliable central defender.

Internationally, he made 14 appearances for the Cyprus national team, representing his country with the same quiet determination he displayed at club level. His career later took him to South Korea, where he played in the K League for Gangwon FC, Jeju United, and Busan IPark, adapting seamlessly to a new footballing culture and environment.

“Football shaped me as a person. It taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of constant growth. I leave the game with gratitude, knowing how much it has given me — both on and off the pitch.”

Sielis also took the time to thank those closest to him, highlighting the role his family played throughout his career:

“To everyone who walked this journey with me — thank you. Especially my wife, who stood by me through every high and low, my children who gave me strength every single day, and all those who believed in me even during the most difficult moments.”

He concluded by stating that while his playing days are now behind him, football will always remain close to his heart:

“A new chapter begins, with new goals and challenges. But football will always be a part of my soul.”

As Valentinos Sielis steps away from the game, he does so with the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans across three continents — a quiet professional who let his performances do the talking.