- Former England star Lallana has announced his retirement after a 19-year career
- The ex-Liverpool midfielder won the Champions League and Premier League
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Former England star Adam Lallana has announced his retirement after a 19-year career.
The 37-year-old, who won the Premier League and Champions League at Liverpool, represented England 34 times.
Lallana made his debut for Southampton as an 18-year-old in 2006 having joined the club aged 12.
He featured 283 times for the Saints as they sealed back-to-back promotions from League One to Premier League, before earning a £25million move to Anfield in 2014.
That summer he was included in England’s World Cup squad for the tournament in Brazil.
The midfielder spent six years under Jurgen Klopp, lifting the Champions League and Premier League titles, before moving to Brighton.
He returned to St Mary’s last season and played 14 times in the league as well as taking temporary charge alongside Simon Rusk following the dismissal of Ivan Juric in April.
Lallana announced his retirement in an emotional social media post.
He wrote: ‘As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride.
‘I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way.
‘You owe so much to so many on a journey like this — it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am. I couldn’t have done it without you.
‘It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999. Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.
‘Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends. It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.
‘Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.
‘Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.
‘And England… every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour.
‘I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it. I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.
‘To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters — thank you.
‘But most of all, to my own team… my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.
‘I’m excited for whatever the future brings.
‘Adam.’
Lallana had been linked with a coaching role under new boss Will Still, having been a player-assistant manager during Rusk’s short lived tenure.
Tributes poured in from his former team-mates after he announced his retirement.
James Milner, who played with Lallana at Liverpool and Brighton, wrote: ‘What a player, what a man.’
Tottenham star James Maddison said: ‘What a guy! Some career for some player! One of my favourites to watch growing up mate and pleasure to now call you my friend! All the best in next chapter Adz.’
‘Congratulations Adzinho! Truly majestic on the pitch and an incredible person off it too,’ Danny Welbeck added.
