Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City, West Brom and Luton Town star retires at 39
He bows out of professional football after playing in a World Cup qualifier.
Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom defender Curtis Davies has called time on his playing career.
After beginning at senior level with Luton Town in 2003 and ending with Cheltenham Town in 2004, a 21-year career has now come to an end. The 39-year-old finished his club career having suffered relegation to League Two with Cheltenham with his contract not renewed, and has now opted to call it a day, instead of joining another club.
His last competitive appearance in football was playing in Sierra Leone's 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso in World Cup qualifying in June. Davies had scored in a 2-1 win against Djibouti just five days later and leaves them in fourth in their qualifying group.
"The day has finally come," he began in a post shared on Twitter.
"After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid I simply wanted to be a footballer. So to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true. There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.
“I’d like to thank all my team mates, managers, coaches and the fans I’ve had the pleasure of being amongst throughout the years. Also the kit men, tea ladies, canteen staff, media teams, secretaries, groundsmen…EVERYONE that took me into their family at each club.
“But the biggest thanks has to go to my family. My dad gave me the support, grounding and foundation to believe in my abilities whilst also being my own harshest critic. My wife and kids unwavering support made the dark times brighter and made the good times even better.”
His career saw him play in the Premier League for Aston Villa, Birmingham City, and Hull City. The most games he played for was Derby County which was 175, and then 144 for Hull. Davies played 106 times for Birmingham City after signing from inter-city rivals Villa.
The centre-back turned out 73 times for the Baggies and 68 times for the Villa, and has career highlights such as winning the Championship play-offs with Hull in 2016 after being an FA Cup runner with them, as well as winning promotion with Luton Town.