Jeremy Helan set to retire from football in order to follow religion

Jeremy Helan is expected to retire from football aged just 24

Sheffield Wednesday defender Jeremy Helan is expected to announce his retirement from football at the age of just 24 in order to devote his life to religion.

The versatile Frenchman, who joined the Owls from Manchester City in 2013, is understood to have informed the Championship club of his plans last week.

Helan is a devout Muslim and reportedly intends to travel to Saudi Arabia in order to follow his religion more closely.

The Sheffield Wednesday defender reportedly intends to devote his life to religion upon retirement

However, his contract with Wednesday only expires at the end of the season and the club remains in talks with the defender over his future at Hillsborough.

Helan signed for City from French club Rennes in 2008 but made just one appearance for the Sky Blues during his time at the Etihad.

The former France U19 international joined Wednesday from Manchester City in 2013

The former France Under-19 international was then sent out on loan to Carlisle United, Shrewsbury Town and finally Sheffield Wednesday, where he signed a permanent deal ahead of the 2013/14 season.

Helan went on to make over 100 appearances for the Yorkshire club over the course of the next three seasons before being loaned to Wolves in February this year.

He was sent on loan to Wolves last season and is yet to make a league appearance for the Owls this campaign

He is yet to make a league appearance for the Owls since returning to Hillsborough this season and is thought to have become disillusioned with football.

However, neither the player nor club have yet commented on the speculation surrounding his future.