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Football

31st May 2019

Rob Green retires after heroic Europa League trophy lift performance

Simon Lloyd

“A fitting way to end what’s been an amazing journey…”

Former England goalkeeper Rob Green has officially announced his retirement from football, days after Chelsea beat Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku.

Green didn’t play a single minute for Chelsea throughout the course of this season and wasn’t even named on the subs’ bench for the 4-1 in the Azerbaijani capital.

Despite this, he still saw fit to wear a full kit and join in with the team’s celebrations after full-time – drawing John Terry comparisons aplenty during the trophy presentations.

Days later, it’s now emerged that this was the final act of Green’s playing career. A statement released by the 39-year-old on Twitter said that it was a “fitting end” to a career in which he made over 650 appearances.

“It’s been an amazing journey for me in the game and I’ve loved every moment,” he said.

“I’ve played with and against some of the best players in the world and have experienced so much that professional football has to offer.

“I have played for some fantastic clubs and I feel honoured to have played for England.”

Green last played for his country in 2012 and started as Fabio Capello’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Prior to playing for being at Chelsea, he started his professional career at Norwich City before spells at West Ham, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town.