Jamie Carragher announces retirement
Liverpool’s longest serving defender and vice-captain Jamie Carragher announced his decision to hang up his boots at the end of this season. Having served the Reds loyally for more than 15 years, the 35-year old veteran’s decision has come as a shock for his fans.
“This will be my last season at Liverpool and my last as a professional footballer,” said Carragher in a club statement.
“I’m making this announcement now because I don’t want the manager (Brendan Rodgers) or the club to be answering questions on my future when I’ve already decided what I am going to do.”
“I will be fully committed between now and the end of the season to doing the very best for Liverpool Football Club, as I’ve done my entire career since joining aged just nine-years-old,” he said.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to represent this great club for as long as I have and I am immensely proud to have done so and thankful for all the support I have had.
“There are many memories I want to share and people to thank but now is not the time for that. I won’t be making any further comment on this decision until the end of the season.
“All our focus and concentration should be on achieving the best possible finish in the league this season and trying to win the last remaining trophy (the Europa League) we are competing in.”
Here are some of the Tweets and Messages about Carragher’s announcement.
Brad Smith: Jamie Carragher – LEGEND .
Didi Hamann: Just heard that Carra retires at the end of the season.One of the all time great LFC players,he showed in the last few weeks he still got it.
John Aldridge: I’m in shock,Carra to retire at the end of the season I’m lost for words(for once) Speak later on it.
Lucas Leiva: Just read Carra statement. Let’s enjoy a few more months with him before he retires. It is amazing what he is done for LFC. #23.
Michael Owen: What a servant Carra has been for Liverpool. A rare breed and it’s been a privilege to play alongside, room with and be big mates with one.
Neil Mellor: Sad to hear Jamie Carragher set to retire at end of the season. An honour to have played with a Liverpool Great.A model pro to any young lad.
Paul Dalglish: Carra’s a rare breed of player who can look back on his career with no regrets as his desire made sure he fulfilled every ounce of potential. I love Carra but I disagree with people saying retire the 23 shirt. It’s not what the club stands for. It is Liverpool’s shirt not his. Young defenders should grow up dreaming of wearing the number of their hero, they shouldn’t be denied the opportunity to do so.
Phil Thompson: Carra retiring,what a legend and what a wonderful servant to our great club ,we won’t see the likes of him again. RESPECT MATE.
Rio Ferdinand: Jamie Carragher has been a great servant to Lfc. Great player & a top fella! Funny guy! Nutter when we were kids but management material now.
Robbie Fowler: Sorry to hear the news on carra, his quotes regarding retirement tell you everything about the man… An absolute legend of a player. And knowing carra, he won’t want a big fuss…. But you know what, he deserves one of the biggest.. #23.
Suso Fernandez: Gutted that Jamie Carragher will retire at the end of the season… He’s a Liverpool legend… Amazing player and person.
Jamie Carragher will leave an astounding number of memories behind his glorious carrer. He is second behind only Ian Callaghan in Liverpool’s all-time appearance list and has won several major honours in his career, including the Champions League, UEFA Cup and two FA Cups. A total 723 appearances in all competitions so far and an ever lasting place in the hearts of Anfield faithful defines a man who is more than a player for the club.