Former Everton winger Aaron Lennon has announced his retirement from football with an emotional statement.
The former Blues midfielder has been without a club since the summer, when he was released by Burnley following their relegation to the Championship. He finishes his career with 43 goals in 607 appearances for five different clubs, as well as 21 caps for England.
Lennon enjoyed two stints at Everton, with his first coming on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2014/15, before it was made permanent at the end of that campaign. He would go on to make 77 appearances for the Blues, scoring nine goals.
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The 35-year-old’s career spanned nearly two decades, and now he has taken to Twitter to announce his retirement. Lennon took time to thank all of the clubs and fans who he played for in his career, including Everton.
"I have finally decided that time is right to hang my boots up,” said Lennon, in an emotional statement he posted on Twitter.
"Having weighed up my options, I didn't feel any were right for me and my young family. It has been a very tough decision as football has been my life since probably the age of three and the last 20 years playing professionally at the very top has been so amazing.
"I loved every minute of it! Football means so much to me and always will do. I don't think I even realised how much until I started considering this retirement, it has been everything and more.
"I just want to say a massive thank you to my loved ones, family and friends who have supported me all the way through this journey. My agent Leon and caabase who have also been right there from the start to this very day.
"All the players I've played with, it has been an absolute pleasure. The managers, coaching staff and all other members of staff who do all the hard work behind the scenes, some real amazing people at the clubs who I will thank personally and hopefully cross paths again in the future.
"And of course the amazing clubs and fans I got to play and represent, including my country. I loved each and every one of the clubs and fanbases and I know that doesn't happen for many players so I'm very grateful.
"Now I'm very excited for this next chapter in my life and spending a lot more time with my loved ones. There is so much I want to do and give back with all my experience and experiences on and off the pitch and will be doing so in the near future.
"Football world thank you from the bottom of my heart."
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