"I never felt I would get to the stage where I would to have to actively think about retiring from international football as I always thought it would pass me by"

In the quote by Kenny Cunningham, there is a reflective reflection on the inescapable transition from an active sports career to retirement. Cunningham is articulating a sentiment that lots of expert athletes encounter: the unexpected immediacy of retirement conversations and decisions.

Initially, Cunningham confesses to a sense of invincibility or timelessness that lots of athletes feel throughout their professions. This is a period where retirement seems like a distant idea, almost an abstract element that does not need instant attention. Professional athletes, driven by passion, ambition, and the needs of expert sports, often focus primarily on today-- training, completing, and accomplishing peak performance. This frame of mind can create an illusion that the profession will perpetuate forever, or at least, the decision to retire will happen naturally or "pass by" without the requirement for active contemplation.

The expression "actively think of retiring" recommends a moment of realization and obligation. Cunningham is acknowledging that retirement is not simply something that occurs to professional athletes; it's a choice that includes mindful consideration of their physical, psychological, and monetary health and wellbeing. Making use of "actively" underscores the cognitive and psychological effort needed in making this option. It often involves weighing one's decreasing physical abilities versus the desire to continue playing, evaluating future career opportunities, and thinking about personal life changes.

Moreover, the quote reflects a wider theme typical among lots of professionals transitioning from any intense profession to retirement. It's about dealing with completion of a significant chapter in life and the unpredictability that follows. This recommendation can include a mix of nostalgia, apprehension, and resignation, as professional athletes like Cunningham realize the requirement to redefine their identity beyond the playing field.

In essence, Cunningham's declaration captures the poignancy of transitioning from an active sports profession. It stresses the dichotomy in between the perpetual pursuit of sports excellence and the ultimate necessity of recognizing and preparing for life's next phase.