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Long throw-in specialist Rory Delap retires from football

The former Ireland international has hung up his boots. And those legendary arms.

imageCredit: AKIRA SUEMORI/AP/Press Association Images

AT THE AGE of 37, Rory Delap has called time on his professional career.

The midfielder, who came through the ranks at Carlisle United before going on to represent seven clubs over a 21-year period,  has struggled with injuries since joining Burton Albion in the summer and today announced his retirement.

Rory has been a constant professional since he joined the club in the summer,” Burton Albion boss Gary Rowett told the club website.

“His attitude and work ethic have been a credit to himself and the invaluable knowledge and experience that he has passed onto the rest of the players here at Burton Albion has been priceless.

He has had a fantastic career and we are honoured here at Burton that he has finished his career with us.”

A hard-working player, Delap became renowned for his long-throw ability while playing for Stoke City as manager Tony Pulis used it as a considerably effective gameplan – especially during the 2008/09 season.

imageCredit: Twitter

Born in England, Delap was eligible to play for Ireland and made his senior international debut against the Czech Republic in 1998. However, he never managed to establish himself as a regular in the Ireland squad and earned a total of 11 senior caps.

image

Delap on his Ireland debut. Credit: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Check out this tribute video to those missile-like throws:

YouTube credit: CleanTackles

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