Johnny Heitinga announces retirement

Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga has announced his retirement from football with immediate effect.

The 32-year-old, who made 140 appearances for the Toffees, has most recently been on the books of Ajax - the club where he started his career.

"I realised in December that the time to put an end to my active career came closer," he told the Dutch club's official website.

"The farewell is slightly ahead of schedule, but I keep Ajax in my heart and I look forward to this new chapter in my life."

Heitinga was capped 87 times by the Netherlands, whom he helped to reach the final of the 2010 World Cup.