I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level.

 

If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies¹ with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I'm fortunate to have realised those dreams.

 

To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately² about their country. I'm honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.

 

I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams. I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration³ and support to play at the highest level for such a long period. I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his team for their continued support.

 

I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning⁴ from. I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.

 

Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love, however I feel like I'm starting a new adventure and I'm genuinely⁵ excited about what lies ahead. I'm fortunate to have been given many opportunities throughout my career and now I feel it's my time to give back.

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