Ghana-former international midfielder Anthony Annan remains active in football, now playing for the German amateur side DJK Arminia Lirich. The 37-year-old Ghanaian signed for the club in August 2023.
After a decorated professional career across Europe — including stints at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, Rosenborg in Norway, HJK Helsinki in Finland, and national team outings with the Black Stars — Annan has taken a surprising turn. Instead of retiring, he elected to join the Kreisliga A club Arminia Lirich, based in Oberhausen, Germany.
Despite the downward move in league level, Annan says he is far from done with football. In a recent interview, he dismissed retirement rumours: “I have not retired yet … I just came to Germany, and I will see about that. If I get the chance to play again, I will.”
At Arminia Lirich, his presence has brought more than just name recognition — teammates and coaches laud his work ethic and leadership. The club sees his signing as a boost for their ambition to climb to the Bezirksliga.
For many Ghanaian football fans, it is inspiring: a former national star choosing to play for the love of the game, close to family and community, rather than hanging up his boots. Anthony Annan’s journey shows that passion for football doesn’t always end with the top leagues.
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