Former Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill has announced he has retired from professional football.
The 36-year-old was released from Bournemouth at the end of the 2021/22 season following the Cherries promotion to the Premier League. Cahill began his career at Aston Villa and was loaned out to Burnley and Sheffield United before he signed for Bolton in 2008.
After impressing in the four years he spent with Bolton, he went on to complete a £7million transfer to Chelsea in January 2012. The England international formed a brilliant partnership alongside John Terry and went on to win two Premier League titles, two Europa League titles, two FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League and League Cup with the Blues.
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Cahill is the player in Premier League history who was fastest to win every major trophy with a club, having lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and UEFA Champions League within three years of moving to Stamford Bridge.
The 36-year-old released a statement on social media announcing his retirement, which read: "Football is a game that has given me so much enjoyment and success and as I make the decision to hang up my boots, I can honestly say I gave it everything I had.
"I've achieved things I once dreamt of, creating some incredible memories. From amazing highs like winning the Champions League and Premier League, to the privilege of captaining my country and Chelsea in an FA Cup winning team will remain with me forever. I've also made some fantastic friendships with people across the football world, from teammates, managers, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes, I just want to say a massive thank you.
"Taking the decision to stop playing is not an easy one. I've spent 20 years training every day, putting in the work to be in the best possible shape for matchday to help the teams I’ve played for be successful. I’ve had time to consider my options and after much deliberation and reflection I feel now is the time to move on to the next stage of my career.
"A special thank you must go to my amazing family who have supported me and been there every step of the way. I now have the opportunity to spend some quality time with them which is something I’m looking forward to.
"Beyond that, football will always be part of who I am and what I love so this is just the end of this chapter. For me it’s important to look forwards not backwards as a new chapter in my life begins."
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