Vlaar retires from football
Published on 10 februari 21, 12:09ALKMAAR- Ron Vlaar will retire from football with immediate effect. Due to physical problems the 35 year-old AZ defender sees himself forced to quit the game. The club icon will stay involved with AZ in a yet to be determined new role.
In the summer of 2020 Vlaar extended his contract at AZ with one more year. Yet, because of injuries, he was only able to play two official matches in the current season, both Champions League qualifiers. The match between Dynamo Kyiv and AZ on September 15 appeared to be his last one in professional football.
Countless interceptions
Spread over two periods Vlaar played 136 games for AZ, including 27 European matches. In service of the Alkmaar outfit Ron Beton (Ron Concrete) made six goals, two assists and countless interceptions.
Debut
Vlaar is one of the most prominent exponents of the famous AZ Academy. On April 23 2005 he debuted in the first team in the Eredivisie match against RKC Waalwijk. One week later he was in the starting line-up for the legendary UEFA Cup semi-final against Sporting Lisbon.
International
After periods at Feyenoord and Premier League outfit Aston Villa FC, Vlaar returned to AZ in 2015. He did so with the experience of playing on the highest international level, as one year before he became third on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with The Netherlands. In total Vlaar played 32 matches for Oranje.