Newcastle United cult hero Shola Ameobi insists he has not retired from playing – and would consider joining the “right club”, if an offer arrives.
The 36-year-old has been without a club since being released by Notts County over the summer, but he is yet to officially declare that his playing career is over.
Former Nigeria international Ameobi scored 79 goals in 397 appearances for boyhood club Newcastle during a 14-year spell in the Magpies’ first team, before leaving St James’ Park in 2014.
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Since then, Ameobi has played for Turkish outfit Gaziantep, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers, Fleetwood Town and, most recently, League Two side Notts County.
After moving back up to the North East, Ameobi has kept himself fit, but is seemingly only willing to join a club which is within commuting distance to Newcastle.
However, the former Magpies striker is not entirely ruling out adding to the 491 appearances and 96 goals he has scored during his playing career so far by running out for a new club.
“I’m doing bits and bobs,” Ameobi told Sky Sports’ Soccer AM when asked about what he has been doing since leaving Notts County.
“I made a decision with the family that I wanted to be closer to Newcastle, which obviously limits the clubs you can look for.
“I’ve kept myself fit and I haven’t retired officially. It would have to be the right club [for me to sign].
“It’s not something I’m actively pursuing but, if something came up, I’d definitely be ready.”