Former Birmingham City, Cardiff City and Man City star retires at 30

Former Birmingham City midfielder Emyr Huws has called time on his playing career. The 11-cap Wales international is opting to call it a day at just 30-years-old.

Huws' contract at League Two outfit Colchester United was not extended, and he was released in the summer. Since entering the free agent market, he has yet to find a club and took to Instagram to reveal that he was hanging up the boots.

He posted on his profile: "Whilst writing this message, I never thought I’d be writing this shortly after my 30th birthday. To those of you that know me, will know that this journey within football has been my life since I was six years old.

“The time has now come to enter a new stage in my life, this journey has taught me many extraordinary things. I remember when I was young, the certainty I had that I was going to be a footballer was powerful and with all the obstacles thrown at me, I achieved that dream."

Huws added: “God only knows how much support I’ve needed through this journey, and I’m blessed to have had immense support with me all of the way. “Even in the bleakest of times with their help and my determination I always found a way and thank all of you.

“I’ve come to the realisation through many tough lessons that this path is no longer meant for me, and I am meant for something else. My deepest gratitude to everyone involved in my journey and I thank you all for helping me become the man I am today.

"My time playing the game is at an end but I am not done yet, my mission is to use all of my experience and wisdom to help inspire and empower as many people as possible. Thank you everyone and I hope you all chase your dreams in this short life.”

Huws was at St Andrew's when Lee Clark was in charge. He joined on loan from Manchester City in January 2014, and ended up making 17 appearances where he scored two goals which helped the club survive relegation on the final day of the 2013/14 campaign. He later joined Wigan Athletic and later Cardiff City, whilst also turning out for Huddersfield Town and the aforementioned Colchester. He retires with 145 appearances in an 11-year playing career.