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Former England international Stewart Downing has brought an end to his 20-year career after making over 400 Premier League appearances

Stewart Downing has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.

The winger has brought to an end a 20-year professional career that saw him make more than 700 club appearances and play 35 times for England, where he was a part of the squads for the 2006 World Cup and 2012 European Championship.

Downing most recently spent a two-year spell with Championship club Blackburn, before leaving Ewood Park at the end of June when his contract expired.

Stewart Downing ended his career at Blackburn Rovers after making 62 appearances for them

Reflecting on his career, Downing said in a post on Twitter: 'After some time to relax and reflect with my family over the summer, I have decided the time has come to retire.