‘Always be home’ - Ex-Wolves captain Conor Coady announces retirement from football

Former Wolves captain Conor Coady has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.

Coady confirmed the news in a heartfelt Instagram video, paying tribute to the eight clubs he represented during a 15-year career.

He also wrote: “Lived the dream. Eternally grateful. Thank you.”

The defender left Wrexham at the end of August after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Coady spent eight years at Wolves after joining in 2015, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League and later qualify for European football.

His retirement video featured plenty of memories from his time in old gold, with Coady describing Molineux as: “The place I needed and the place that made me a man.

“Eight of the best years, with the best people in a city that made me their own.

“My kids were born in old gold and you made Amie truly enjoy football. For that it will always be home.”

The video begins with Coady wearing a Wolves tracksuit before a game, reflecting the significance of his time at Molineux.

He joined from Huddersfield Town in 2015, having been brought to the club by Kenny Jackett initially as a midfielder, and became an integral part of the side that stormed to the Championship title in 2017/18.

Coady scored from the penalty spot on the day Wolves were crowned champions at Bolton Wanderers before being handed the captain’s armband on a permanent basis following their promotion.

He subsequently led the Old Gold to a seventh-place Premier League finish, an FA Cup semi-final and qualification for the Europa League.

The former Liverpool youngster left Wolves for Leicester City in 2023 after eight memorable years at Molineux.

During that spell, he also broke into Gareth Southgate’s England squad in 2020, going on to earn 10 caps and score once for the Three Lions.

Coady began his retirement announcement by reflecting on his career.

He said: “So where do I start? From being a young boy at Rainford Rangers, to living every young lad’s dream and playing at the highest level.

“Eight clubs, 503 appearances, two promotions, a World Cup and a Euros. Ten England caps.

“Football is my life. It always has been. But everything at some point always comes to an end.

“I never, ever thought playing for Wolves in Europe or going with England to a World Cup this day would come.

“But honestly, the last couple of years have been tough. Not playing as much as I would have liked I have struggled with, as I live for playing footie.”

Coady has received an outpouring of tributes from former team-mates and fellow professionals following the announcement.

Ruben Neves paid tribute to Coady in a post of his own, writing: “One of the most special people football has brought into my life.

“It was a pleasure to be part of your career, and it’s even more special to still be part of your life.

“Congratulations on an incredible career, my brother! I know you still have so much more to give to football, and I’ll always be right there in the front row, supporting you. Now enjoy the time with your beautiful family.”

Current Wolves defender, Kieran Trippier’s also commented on Coady’s post, saying: “All the best my bro.”

Jack Grealish also commented on his Instagram post, saying: “Nearly got me going (crying emoji) unbelievable career and what a human!! Enjoy retirement brother”.

Former England team-mate Harry Maguire added: “Top career mate, pleasure to be a small part of it”.