Former England Star Defender Announces Retirement

Former England, Everton and Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka has retired from football at the age of 41.

Jagielka was released by Championship side Stoke at the end of last season and has decided to call time on a 23-year professional playing career.

Jagielka made over 750 appearances at club level, while he won 40 caps for England between 2008 and 2016.

He scored three goals for England and was part of the Euro 2012 and 2014 World Cup squads.

He exclusively told Sky Sports:

“As you can tell by the timing, I’ve tried to put myself out there for a little bit longer to see if anyone fancied giving me an opportunity to extend it, but they didn’t and I understand that.

“I’m super proud of myself to play at 40.

“If you’d have sat me down as a 15 or 16-year-old kid after being told I wasn’t good enough and then fast forward telling me I’d scored at 40, played at 40 and had the career I’ve had then I don’t think I can have too many complaints.”