Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels sends emotional message as retirement confirmed
Nottingham Forest star Matz Sels took to social media with a new message following the emerging news of an emotional retirement.
The 33-year-old was integral to the Reds’ success last season, keeping a joint-top 13 clean sheets in the Premier League alongside Arsenal‘s David Raya, in what was just his second term in England.
Having paid just £5million for the shot-stopper [BBC Sport], and likely many years ahead of him despite his age, Nuno Espirito Santo will not have to look for a replacement anytime soon.
Players rarely have a very long career, however, and the likes of Willy Boly and Chris Wood could be staring down the barrel of retirement in a couple of summers.
In addition to that duo, a squad favourite in Wayne Hennessey has chosen to hang up his boots after three seasons at the City Ground, with players flocking to wish him well on social media.
Wayne Hennessey announces retirement
Taking to Instagram stories (16 July), Sels reshared Hennessey’s retirement announcement, simply captioning the post: “What a career,” with two fire emojis.
While the 38-year-old played for several clubs, including Wolves, Crystal Palace, and most recently, Forest, he was most well-loved by Wales fans for his contribution to the national team over the years.
Nuno Espirito Santo to fear more Nottingham Forest exits
Football Insider verdict
It was an incredible campaign for everyone involved at the City Ground, with the Reds now set to play Europa League football after Crystal Palace‘s demotion to the Europa Conference League.
Despite all of the success, Morgan Gibbs-White’s exit from Forest almost feels inevitable, though Tottenham are facing legal action after an “illegal” move for the England international.
Football Insider understands, however, that Gibbs-White is still likely to be a Spurs player by the end of the summer, coming to an agreement with the Reds and Evangelos Marinakis.
Losing the talented midfielder for just £60million would be a huge blow for the club, but it would be enough for Espirito Santo to add multiple new gems to the squad ahead of next season.
Anthony Elanga has joined Newcastle United on a £55m deal [BBC Sport], though Johan Bakayoko no longer looks to be a possible replacement amid strong links with a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
The Reds will need several new additions, as well as Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, if they are to have as much success next season as they did during the 2024/25 campaign.