Walid Atta puts an end to his 14 years football career as he announced his retirement. Walid told Soccer Ethiopia that he decided to hang up his boots after thoughtfully going through his retirement plans.
The 31 years old center back last November 2017 left Saudi Arabian first division side Al Khaleej FC on mutual consent and was expected to make yet again another move but out of the blue he decided to call it quit. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Ethiopia Walid stated his motivation to play run out as he prepared himself for life after football. “I have had an interesting career spanning in different countries and clubs. I am content with the way my career went and I will always cherish the moments. I am going to miss playing football. I think the highlights of my career are that winning the league, Swedish Cup and Super Cup with AIK and another Super Cup triumph with Helsingborgs IF. I get to represent Ethiopia in international games and I am so grateful for these things.”
Walid further noted he will commence a profession as players’ intermediary. “One of my friend and partner has an agency company and I thought about joining his team. So I have decided to work as an agent. I will be based in Qatar and forge connections in the Middle East. I will try to help Ethiopian players too. I hope to be back to the country to educate local talents so as they can get opportunities elsewhere.”
Walid played for 12 clubs and made 4 appearances for the Waliyas in AfCON qualifier encounters. He has had a career in clubs from Sweden, Croatia, Turkey, Norway and Saudi Arabia. He has won international caps for the Sewden U-21 side. Born from Ethiopian mother in Riyadh, the defender also featured in UEFA Champions League qualifier and Europa League group stage game with AIK and Helsingborgs.
Prior to Walid David Beshah, a former German born Ethiopian international, pursued a career as an agent after a knee injury forced him to quit the beautiful game.
