Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has confirmed that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, bringing an end to a playing career that has lasted over 19 years.
"There comes a time when as much as you don't like, it's time to stop playing football," Carrick confirmed, quoted by the Press Association's Simon Peach. "That's pretty much where I am at."
The former England international came through the ranks at West Ham before securing a £3.5m move to Tottenham in 2004. Carrick's outstanding two-year spell in north London earned him a move to Manchester United, his club for the last 12 years, for £25m.