Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 38-year-old left Ayr United just two weeks ago and has now decided to call time on a career spanning two decades.
After coming through the young system at Parkhead, McGeady made his senior debut at the age of 18 in a league game against Hearts in 2004. He scored after just 17 minutes on the pitch and Celtic went on to win the league title that season under Martin O’Neill.
The Rutherglen-born player went on to make over 200 appearances for the Hoops and scored 36 goals. He was crowned PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year in 2008 and won four league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup during his time in Glasgow.
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Despite being born in Scotland, McGeady opted to play for the Republic of Ireland at international level, earning 93 caps and scoring five goals.
He left Celtic in 2010 for a spell in Russia with Spartak Moscow for a then Scottish record fee of £9.5 million, before moving to Everton in the Premier League four years later.
Following loan spells with Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday, McGeady departed Goodison Park for Sunderland on a permanent deal in 2017. He made 150 appearances for the Black Cats and helped them win promotion to the Championship.
Aiden McGeady has today announced his retirement from professional football. One hundred and fifty appearances in red and white and countless memorable moments along the way. All the best for the future, Geads! 🪄❤️ pic.twitter.com/rJoNe5LUOx
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 17, 2024
In 2022, he returned to Scotland to join Hibernian but featured just 14 times for the Edinburgh club after being struck with injuries. McGeady moved to Ayr United in July last year and ended his player-coach contract on October 1, just two weeks ago.
"I'm officially calling it a day," he posted on social media. "I've been fortunate enough to live my dream as a footballer, competing in the Champions League, European Championships, and the Premier League.
"I'm deeply grateful to everyone I've had the privilege of playing alongside and meeting throughout this journey. Excited to see what the next chapter brings.
"I have been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in Scotland, England and Russia, brilliant memories, at the best clubs.
"I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process."
