I’m thankful to PSG (Paris
Saint-Germain) for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the
right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.
If you had told me as a young boy
I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester
United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and
lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it
was a fantasy. I’m fortunate to have realized those dreams.
To this day, one of my proudest
achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions
shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also
representing every fan that cared passionately about their country. I’m honored
to represent England both on and off the pitch.
I wouldn’t have achieved what I
have done today without my family. I’m grateful for my parents’ sacrifice,
which made me realize my dreams. I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who
have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such
a long period. I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his team for their
continued support.
I want to thank all my teammates,
the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from. I also want to
thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.
Nothing will ever completely
replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I’m starting a new
adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. I’m fortunate to
have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it’s my
time to give back. |
