'Denying Man Utd the title was the best moment of my career'

Speaking to 'Sky Sports', Pienaar reflected on his career as a footballer, after he retired on Wednesday at the age of 35. When asked why he decided to hang up his boots, Pienaar stated that he had gotten too old to compete. "My body was just a bit tired, I couldn't get up anymore," he said. 

"My family has been supportive of the decision I've made and I just thought I have to to be honest to myself, my body and my family."

"It's a bit weird [no longer being a footballer], I'm just getting used to it. But it's been playing on my mind for a while so I'm happy I can spend time with the kids, with my mum, with my wife and the family. I'm really happy."

Discussing his career highlights, the South African international said that his favourite moment on the pitch came as an Everton player. Pienaar spent two spells with the 'Toffees', initially moving from Borussia Dortmund in 2007, then returning in 2012 after a year at Tottenham. For him, the standout moment was in 2012, when he scored an 85th minute equaliser at Old Trafford, which prevented the 'Red Devils' from winning the 2011/12 title. 

"My favourite moment? Obviously, signing for Everton and scoring the equaliser against Man United to deny them the title - that was something special for me."