Every word Gary Cahill said as former Aston Villa, Chelsea & England star announces retirement

Former England defender Gary Cahill, who started his senior playing career at Aston Villa, has announced his retirement from professional football. The 36-year-old, who most recently helped guide AFC Bournemouth to promotion to the Premier League, issued a statement on Wednesday morning.

Having made 459 career league appearances, including a four-year spell with Villa, five campaigns with Bolton Wanderers, eight with Chelsea, two with Crystal Palace and one with Bournemouth, Cahill had quite the career. He leaves behind his playing days with 61 England caps to his name.

Taking to social media to announce the news, Cahill made a long statement, including why he has taken the step. He said: “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. 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 backward as a new chapter in my life begins.”

Cahill represented England in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, in 2014 and 2018. He retires just as the current crop begin their preparations for the 2022 competition in Qatar. Gareth Southgate’s side