Charlton Athletic striker Matty Godden: 'I wanted to swear when I heard retirement rumour. It is so far from my mentality - I feel I can play until I'm 40'

Last season's top goalscorer hoping to extend his stay in SE7 with last season's promotion a career highlight

Matty Godden has completely rubbished rumours that he was contemplating retirement when he was sidelined with a knee injury.

The striker has told South London Sport: Charlton Edition that he is setting his sights on playing until he is 40.

The 34-year-old scored 22 goals in his first season with the Addicks.

Matty Godden is mobbed by Charlton fans after his finish sealed the club’s place in the 2025 League One play-off final/Picture: Paul Edwards

It was Godden’s strike in the 2025 League One play-off semi-final second leg which took the south Londoners to Wembley, where they defeated Leyton Orient.

But the experienced forward missed the start of the Championship campaign after his knee problem required a second surgical procedure.

Godden made his return as an 89th-minute substitute in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United on January 17. He had cameos against Derby County and Millwall before replacing Miles Leaburn at the start of the second half at Leicester City on Saturday.

So that talk of him hanging up his boots that was doing the rounds when he was sidelined?

It was never remotely a consideration - especially when the injury should have been rectified with straightforward surgery.

“Someone said that to me the other day (that he was thinking of quitting) and I nearly swore at them,” responded Godden. “I said: ‘Where are you getting this information from?’ because it is so far from my mentality that it is unbelievable.