What the future holds for Glenn Loovens after Sheffield Wednesday exit

Glenn Loovens bid farewell to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday but he is not ready to say goodbye to his playing career.
Glenn Loovens leads out Sheffield Wednesday for the final time in their match against Norwich City. Pic: Steve EllisGlenn Loovens leads out Sheffield Wednesday for the final time in their match against Norwich City. Pic: Steve Ellis
Glenn Loovens leads out Sheffield Wednesday for the final time in their match against Norwich City. Pic: Steve Ellis

The Owls skipper made his 150th appearance in the 5-1 hammering of Norwich City before coming off for the final time, minutes before the break and to rapturous applause from the Wednesday faithful.

Loovens leaves Hillsborough when his current contract expires next month and at the age of 34 he would be forgiven for wondering whether now might be the time to hang up his boots.

Glenn Loovens gets a guard of honour from his Sheffield Wednesday team mates. Pic: Steve EllisGlenn Loovens gets a guard of honour from his Sheffield Wednesday team mates. Pic: Steve Ellis
Glenn Loovens gets a guard of honour from his Sheffield Wednesday team mates. Pic: Steve Ellis
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However, that option is not currently in the Dutchman's thinking as he believes the legs have a couple more years left in them.

"I want to keep playing, one or two more years," he said. "I feel physically too good to stop. I am already getting my coaching badges as well but that is for the future, I enjoy playing too much. My focus is to get another club for next year."

Asked if he would like to remain in England or again move to another country, Loovens added: "I am open to anything. At my age you can't afford be to picky. If anyone comes up with a nice offer and a nice opportunity for me then I am all ears."

After spells at clubs the size of Feyenoord, Cardiff City, Celtic and Real Zaragoza before joining Wednesday in 2013 on a free transfer, Loovens' experience will be invaluable somewhere.

Glenn Loovens waves goodbye to Sheffield Wednesday fans after their last match of the season and his last for the club. Pic: Steve EllisGlenn Loovens waves goodbye to Sheffield Wednesday fans after their last match of the season and his last for the club. Pic: Steve Ellis
Glenn Loovens waves goodbye to Sheffield Wednesday fans after their last match of the season and his last for the club. Pic: Steve Ellis
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He admitted his sadness at leaving the Owls, where his highlight was leading the team to Wembley by way of the Play-Off Final two years ago, but the club captain understood the reasons as why another deal wasn't in the offing.

"I am not stupid, I am not an idiot," he said. "I seen things coming and I know how football works and it is not a problem. I know how it goes. I'm glad and happy to have been here such a long time and I will keep these memories for the rest of my life and I am looking forward to the next opportunity."