The Independent reports:
'The former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has announced his retirement with immediate effect. The 35-year-old, now with Ajax, revealed that he had taken the decision to quit due to a lack of motivation.
'"This decision was not taken overnight," said Stam, who retired from international football with the Netherlands three years ago having won 67 caps, at a press conference at Ajax's Amsterdam ArenA. "A while ago, I told [the Ajax technical director] Martin van Geel and [managing director] Maarten Fontein that I could no longer motivate myself enough. Physically, I was no longer 100 per cent. During matches, I was more busy with myself than with the opponent. That's not right. Especially for someone who relies on his strength. I want to give myself for the full 100 per cent and not 60 or 70 per cent."'