Former Liverpool and England midfielder Adam Lallana has announced his retirement after a 19-year playing career.
The 37-year-old, who won 34 England caps and was a member of the 2014 World Cup squad, made 14 appearances in the Premier League for Southampton last season and was also a part of the coaching staff under interim boss Simon Rusk.
Having made his name at the Saints, helping the club to promotion from the Championship, he joined Liverpool in 2014 for £25million and won the Premier League and Champions League titles in six years at Anfield.
Lallana moved to Brighton in 2020 before returning to Southampton four years later.
He wrote on Instagram this morning: “As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride.
“I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way.
“You owe so much to so many on a journey like this — it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am. I couldn’t have done it without you.
“It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999. Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.”
‘I owe everything to Southampton’
He continued: “Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends. It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.
“Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.
“Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.
“And England… every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour.
“I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it. I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.
“To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters — thank you.”
