Former Ireland international Anthony Pilkington has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old won nine caps for the Boys in Green under Giovanni Trapattoni and Martin O’Neill between 2013 and 2016.
Pilkington played for a host of clubs including Cardiff City, Norwich City, Wigan Athletic, Huddersfield Town and Stockport County.
The winger was most recently with Fleetwood Town and made 28 appearances last season, but hasn’t played since April.
Posting on social media today, Pilkington said: “It all started 16 years ago after a cold Wednesday night at Gigg Lane.
“I was playing non-league football against FC United for Atherton Collieries in the North West Counties League.
“We won 3-0 and I scored the hat-trick that changed my life forever.”
Pilkington continued: “Today, here I am making the biggest and toughest decision of my life so far, I will be retiring from the beautiful game.
“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities and memories the game has given me.
“As a young boy all I ever wanted to do was play football, so to go on and play internationally for the Republic of Ireland and also in the Premier League against the best players in the world really was a dream come true.”
READ NEXT:
- Ireland beat Scotland to reignite their T20 World Cup campaign
Grief lightened the load of expectation for Ballyhale's Joey Holden
Plug is pulled on prospect of November friendly involving a League of Ireland XI
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
