Former England and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
Gary Cahill announced retirement from professional football
Cahill said: “Obviously, it’s been a tough decision in some aspects but I think I just knew the journey had to come to an end at some stage. I just got the feeling that now is the right time
“I did have options. I could have played in the Premier League with one side and I had a couple of options in the Championship which is flattering to still get the offers.”
“But at the moment, as well as my career, my kids are settled at school and it would’ve meant moving again.”
He further added:
“It was huge because at the time, a lot of the England squad were in top teams and I don’t mean that disrespectfully towards Bolton, who took the chance to buy me [from Aston Villa],” Cahill said.
“They put me in the team week-in, week-out and they gave me the platform to learn, make mistakes, grow as a player and grow as a man.”
“To be involved in such a successful team was the pinnacle of your playing days,” added Cahill.
“It’s what you strive for when you first start playing to get to the top to try and be involved in a team that can challenge and compete for trophies.”
“To be in a changing room with such big figures that were there at the time – the list was huge – players who have gone on and achieved so many great things in the game, coming in as a young player was amazing for me.”
Cahill did not renew his contract despite making 22 league appearances in the Cherries’ promotion from the Championship – and he is yet to make a decision on whether he will move into management or coaching.
“Everyone is different, and I’m not sure yet what I’ll do. I want to take some time away and step back from football and just enjoy watching it.
“I’m conscious of not diving into something straightaway so I’ll spend some time with the family. I’ll make a decision on the next chapter in my life after Christmas.”
