A Premier League icon has finally decided to call time on his 20-year professional career after failing to play for the last two years.
The striker previously enjoyed a successful spell at Sunderland when he was originally snapped up for a then-record club transfer fee of £12million.
Impressive performances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa saw him shortlisted alongside Diego Forlan and Wesley Sneijder for player of the tournament as European clubs were put on alert to a new star in the making.
A move to Sunderland followed and he quickly marked his announcement with a goal on his Premier League debut in a 1-1 draw with Wigan.