Former Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 36.
The Englishman came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa and made his name with Bolton Wanderers, but it was his 2012 transfer to Chelsea that proved the catalyst for Cahill's successful career.
He won everything there was to win with Chelsea, including two Premier League titles and the 2011/12 Champions League, before leaving for Crystal Palace in 2019 and eventually joining Bournemouth in 2021.
Having left the Cherries during the summer, Cahill has now brought his playing career to a close.
"Football is a game that has given me so much enjoyment and success and as I make the decision to hang up my boots, I can honestly say I gave it everything I had," Cahill wrote on social media.
"I've achieved things I once dreamt of, creating some incredible memories. From amazing highs like winning the Champions League and Premier League, to the privilege of captaining my country and Chelsea in an FA Cup winning team will remain with me forever.
"I've also made some fantastic friendships with people across the football world, from teammates, managers, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes, I just want to say a massive thank you.
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"Taking the decision to stop playing is not an easy one. I've spent 20 years training every day, putting in the work to be in the best possible shape for matchday to help the teams I’ve played for be successful.
"I’ve had time to consider my options and after much deliberation and reflection I feel now is the time to move on to the next stage of my career.
"A special thank you must go to my amazing family who have supported me and been there every step of the way. I now have the opportunity to spend some quality time with them which is something I’m looking forward to.
"Beyond that, football will always be part of who I am and what I love so this is just the end of this chapter. For me it’s important to look forwards not backwards as a new chapter in my life begins."
Source : 90min