Soccer

Irish veteran Reid calls it quits

Steven Reid during his playing days for Ireland. The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Monday
Steven Reid during his playing days for Ireland. The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Monday Steven Reid during his playing days for Ireland. The 34-year-old announced his retirement on Monday

BURNLEY and Ireland midfielder Steven Reid has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old joined the Clarets last summer, but has made just seven appearances for the recently-relegated Barclays Premier League club. The versatile player has made almost 400 appearances for the likes of Millwall, Blackburn, QPR, West Brom and Burnley during a 17-year career that also saw him earn 23 Republic of Ireland caps.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football at the end of the 2014-15 season," Reid said.

"The last 17 years have been incredible and I have been fortunate to have played for some great clubs at Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley, as well as representing Ireland and playing at the World Cup. Alongside the great memories there have also been the many lows of my well-documented injuries and I feel the time has now come to listen to my body.

"I'm excited about new challenges ahead. I'm working towards my A licence and look forward to pursuing a career in coaching, alongside continuing the media work I've enjoyed this season.

"I would like to thank everybody that has been a part of the journey: My family, especially, but also the fans, players, staff, managers and friends that have made it a truly wonderful 17 years."