Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been forced to retire at the age of 33.
The Watford captain issued a statement on Saturday lunchtime to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots because of injury. The Reds academy graduate missed almost all of last season because of an Achilles problem, being restricted to just four appearances.
He last appeared for Watford on February 11, stepping off the bench as a second half substitute during a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road. He joined the Hornets on a permanent deal in 2017 after two previous loan spells in Hertfordshire.
Cleverley made a total of 181 appearances for the Championship club across three spells, scoring 19 goals and registering 15 assists.
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Releasing a statement on his Instagram page, Cleverley, who joined United back in 2000 as an 11-year-old, said: "Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player. The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury.
"Unfortunately, my body has failed me and just hasn't got the capacity to perform anymore. I haven't done much reflection just yet, but I'm trying to focus on a positive future and I'm excited about what that's going to bring.
"I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England. Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson. The people and the club that gave me the foundations as a player and person and also the club that made my dreams come true. To come through the academy and represent the first-team gives me immense pride.
"To all those involved with Watford Football Club. I have the privilege of calling this club home. To captain this club has been an honour and the staff, players and fans will forever be in my heart. The love you have shown me as a young loanee up to the moment I retire as a grown man I can never repay.
"Finally, the love and support of my wife, children, mum, dad and agent, I know it hasn't been easy on you guys at times but none of this would have been possible without you."
The midfielder made a total of 79 appearances during his Old Trafford career, chipping in with five goals and grabbing eight assists. He also won one Premier League title and two Community Shields.
Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury added: "No one could have worked harder than Tom did to make it back from several injuries, which he's tried to do while always providing a positive force around the players. "I can't speak highly enough about Tom as a person, a player and our captain.
"Tom is the type of professional all clubs would be delighted to have in their team."
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