Former Chelsea And England Defender Gary Cahill Retires

Two-time Premier League winner Gary Cahill has announced that his playing career is over.

The 36-year-old center-back played for Aston Villa, Burnley, Sheffield United, Bolton, Chelsea and Crystal Palace during a professional career that spanned across three decades.

But he had been without a club since leaving Bournemouth at the end of last season.

Cahill said in a statement published on social media on Wednesday: "Football is a game that has given me so much enjoyment and success and as I make the decision to hang up my boots I can honestly say I gave it everything I had."

Cahill played 61 times for England, scoring five international goals.

At club level, he won eight major trophies, all with Chelsea during an eight-season spell at Stamford Bridge.

Cahill lifted the Premier League title in 2015 and 2017. He also won the FA Cup twice, the Europa League twice and the EFL Cup once.

But his biggest success came in 2012 when he played the full 120 minutes of the UEFA Champions League final, which Chelsea won in a penalty shootout against Bayern Munich.

"I achieved things I once dreamt of, creating some incredible memories," added Cahill in his statement. "From amazing highs like winning the Champions League and Premier League, to the privilege of captaining my country and Chelsea in an FA Cup winning team will remain with me forever.

Gary Cahill pictured lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy after Chelsea's victory over Bayern Munich in the 2011/12 final

IMAGO/PA Images/Owen Humphreys

"I've also made some fantastic friendships with people across the football world, from teammates, managers, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes, I just want to say a massive thank you.

"Taking the decision to stop playing is not an easy one. I've spent 20 years training every day, putting in the work to be in the best possible shape for matchday to help the teams I've played for be successful.

"I've had time to consider my options and after much deliberation and reflection I feel now is the time to move on to the next stage of my career.

"A special thank you must go to my amazing family who have supported me and been there every step of the way. I now have the opportunity to spend some quality time with them which is something I'm looking forward to.

"Beyond that, football will always be part of who I am and what I love so this is just the end of this chapter. For me it's important to look forwards not backwards as a new chapter in my life begins."

Cahill is the second former England player to retire this week following Aaron Lennon's announcement on Tuesday.