Irish football legend Damien Duff has announced his retirement. The star admitted that it is his body more than his heart that made the decision.
Duff has been capped 100-times over the course of his career which spanned over 20 years. The 36-year-old was contracted by Shamrock Rovers where he finished his career.
Damien Duff has today announced his decision to retire from professional football after a career lasting 20… https://t.co/VZquE4sFC2
— Shamrock Rovers F.C. (@ShamrockRovers) December 21, 2015
Duff had spent the last few months playing for Shamrock Rovers, the club announced Duff’s retirement on their Facebook page.
“After much deliberation, I have today decided to bring my professional football career to an end.
My heart wants me to continue playing but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop.
I’ve lived every young boy’s dream and I know I am a very lucky man.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the journey from schoolboy football in Dublin and moving to England as a teenager right up to today.
I am extremely proud to have won 100 caps for my country – it was always my greatest pleasure to represent Ireland and I have many magical memories from my international career.
While I have finished playing, I am progressing with my coaching badges and will stay involved in the game for many years to come.
I am grateful to Pat Fenlon & Shamrock Rovers F.C. for giving me the opportunity to finish my career back home – they have some exciting plans for the club for the future & I wish them well. I had hoped to play for one more year but it was not to be.
Thank you to all the many fans for your support over the years.
I would like to especially thank my wife Elaine, my children, my parents Gerard & Mary and my family for being, and continuing to be, my biggest supporters.
Duffer”
The Dublin man began his career at Blackburn Rovers before moving to Chelsea. With Chelsea he won two Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho before he left for Newcastle United three years later. Duff later played for Fulham and Melbourne City.
Duff appeared at the 2002 World Cup, where he scored against Saudi Arabia, as well as the European Championships 10 years later after which he decided to retire from his Ireland career.