IRELAND LEGEND DAMIEN Duff has brought his 20-year career in football to an end.
The 36-year-old former Blackburn and Chelsea winger, who ended his career with a short spell at Shamrock Rovers, won 100 caps for Ireland.
“After much deliberation, I have today decided to bring my professional football career to an end,” the Dubliner said in a statement.
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“My heart wants me to continue playing but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop.
“I’ve lived every young boy’s dream and I know I am a very lucky man.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the journey from schoolboy football in Dublin and moving to England as a teenager right up to today.
“I am extremely proud to have won 100 caps for my country — it was always my greatest pleasure to represent Ireland and I have many magical memories from my international career.
“While I have finished playing, I am progressing with my coaching badges and will stay involved in the game for many years to come.
I am grateful to Pat Fenlon and Shamrock Rovers FC for giving me the opportunity to finish my career back home — they have some exciting plans for the club for the future and I wish them well. I had hoped to play for one more year but it was not to be.
“Thank you to all the many fans for your support over the years.
“I would like to especially thank my wife Elaine, my children, my parents Gerard & Mary and my family for being, and continuing to be, my biggest supporters.”
Having played for Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic and St Kevin’s Boys as a schoolboy in Dublin, Duff came through the youth system at Blackburn and went on to score 27 goals in 185 appearances for the club.
He became the most expensive Irish player ever, when he joined Chelsea for £17million in 2003.
After winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Community Shield with the London club, Duff went on to have spells at Newcastle, Fulham and Melbourne City, before finishing his career back in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers.
He scored eight goals in 100 caps for Ireland, and appeared at both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Ireland legend Damien Duff announces retirement from football
Updated at 17.33
IRELAND LEGEND DAMIEN Duff has brought his 20-year career in football to an end.
The 36-year-old former Blackburn and Chelsea winger, who ended his career with a short spell at Shamrock Rovers, won 100 caps for Ireland.
“After much deliberation, I have today decided to bring my professional football career to an end,” the Dubliner said in a statement.
“My heart wants me to continue playing but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop.
“I’ve lived every young boy’s dream and I know I am a very lucky man.
“I am extremely proud to have won 100 caps for my country — it was always my greatest pleasure to represent Ireland and I have many magical memories from my international career.
“While I have finished playing, I am progressing with my coaching badges and will stay involved in the game for many years to come.
“Thank you to all the many fans for your support over the years.
“I would like to especially thank my wife Elaine, my children, my parents Gerard & Mary and my family for being, and continuing to be, my biggest supporters.”
Having played for Leicester Celtic, Lourdes Celtic and St Kevin’s Boys as a schoolboy in Dublin, Duff came through the youth system at Blackburn and went on to score 27 goals in 185 appearances for the club.
He became the most expensive Irish player ever, when he joined Chelsea for £17million in 2003.
After winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Community Shield with the London club, Duff went on to have spells at Newcastle, Fulham and Melbourne City, before finishing his career back in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers.
He scored eight goals in 100 caps for Ireland, and appeared at both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2012.
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