Former Rangers and Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan has announced his decision to retire aged just 29 following a spate of injury problems.
Flanagan came through the Liverpool academy at Melwood, and made his first-team debut in 2010 in a 3-0 win against Manchester City. He would go on to star under Brendan Rodgers as the Reds came close to a Premier League title, although injuries limited his first-team opportunities and he was shipped out to Burnley and Bolton on loan.
Without a chance of regular game time on Merseyside under Jurgen Klopp, it was then in his career that a move to Rangers under Steven Gerrard blossomed where he made 39 appearances during an ill-fated spell at Ibrox. But despite his time in the Scottish Premiership not proving fruitful as he failed to lift a single trophy, Flanagan made a special mention to Light Blues fans in an emotional letter penning the end of his playing career.
"Unfortunately after careful consideration I have made the toughest decision I've ever had to make; to retire from professional football," Flanagan announced on his Instagram."The last 14 months I have tried everything possible to recover from my most recent knee surgery.
"However, ultimately my long term health has to come first, so following medical advice the right thing for me to do now is retire from the game. My dream as a boy was to grow up and play football for a living and today I'm so proud to say; I lived that dream.
"Not only playing and captaining my boyhood club Liverpool, but also making an appearance for my country. Those memories cerated will last a lifetime and I'm so grateful that I have had the experience that most others can only wish for.
"I would like to thank everyone for their support over my journey, especially my girlfriend, family, friends, team-mates, coaches an agent. I feel very fortunate to have you all in my life.
"Also, a massive thank you to the fans of Liverpool, Glasgow Rangers, Burnley, Bolton, Charleroi and HB Koge who have supported me throughout. You have been great and have made my journey an unforgettable one!
"I will now begin the next chapter of my football journey and I'm excited about what the future brings. See you soon. Flanno."
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