Former West Brom defender Gareth McAuley announces retirement
Former West Brom defender Gareth McAuley has announced his retirement from professional football, aged 39.
The Northern-Irishman totalled 203 appearances for the Baggies during a seven-year spell at the club, scoring 15 times having joined from Ipswich Town. He won 80 international caps for his country.
In a statement on social media, McAuley confirmed his decision to hang up his boots, admitting it was the 'right time' to do so.
"A lot of people have been asking me what my plans are since the summer so I thought it was time to publicly state I've decided to retire from playing." McAuley said.
"I knew last season was going to be my 23rd and final year as a player and I know I'm hanging my boots up for the final time at the right time.
"From the second I first kicked a ball, it was always about the love of the game and a desire to win followed.
"I pride myself on getting everything possible out of my career and I'm proud to have played with - and against - some of the best players in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland as well as representing my country for 14 years.
"From Lincoln to Leicester City, to Ipswich and then West Bromwich Albion I fulfilled my ambition of playing in the Premier League."
McAuley departed Albion in 2018, going on to finish his career north of the border with Rangers, the club he supported as a boy.
The defender is regarded as one of, if not the best, free signing made by the Baggies. He had been named Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the year in the 2012/13 season, in which he helped guide the club to an eighth placed finish.
