Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Everton defender Baines retires from football

Leighton Baines has announced his retirement from football following the end of Everton's Premier League campaign.

Former England international Baines – who had been offered a one-year contract extension by Everton – made his 420th and final appearance for the Toffees on Sunday, as Carlo Ancelotti's side went down 3-1 to Bournemouth.

The 35-year-old, who has made nine appearances in all competitions this season, came on as a second-half substitute at Goodison Park.

Ancelotti later paid tribute to the stalward left-back, while suggesting that he could stay on at the Merseyside club in a non-playing capacity even after retirement.