Former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has dismissed speculation that he has retired from professional football, insisting he remains eager to continue playing and is actively searching for his next club, with Softfootball understanding the Portuguese full-back is also preparing for a future in coaching.
Cedric, who left Arsenal after the expiration of his contract, revealed he is currently working on his coaching qualifications but stressed that retirement is not on his mind. He said:
I will try to complete my coaching courses while I am still playing. My biggest wish is still to play. It’s too early to retire.
The experienced defender also expressed confidence in his physical condition, despite acknowledging that his lack of recent game time has raised questions among potential suitors. He added:
I’m ready to play, and fortunately I haven’t had any serious injuries. But when you haven’t played, teams start to doubt. How is he doing? Is he playing well? Why hasn’t he played?”
Cedric also admitted he is being selective about his next move after turning down several opportunities earlier in the transfer window.He said:
I would like to find a good project right away. There were some opportunities at the beginning of the window that I didn’t take, and then there were some things I wasn’t ready for. Now I’ve had this break, and I want to get started as soon as possible.
