Ashley Young has announced plans to retire following a remarkable 23-year professional football career.
The 40-year-old has confirmed that he will hang up his boots when Ipswich Town’s season comes to an end.
Ashley Young, who spent eight and a half years at Manchester United, is an experienced member of Kieran McKenna’s promotion-pushing side in the Championship.
Young will be hoping to take from the experience he gained at United, especially after winning the Premier League in 2012/13, ahead of the final game of the season (unless Ipswich drop into a play-off spot).
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Man Utd legends react to Ashley Young’s retirement
Young has not played since January due to a persistent hip problem, although he has made 15 appearances for the Tractor Boys this term.
The veteran defender remains determined to contribute in any way he can as Ipswich aim to return to the Premier League.
That won’t come as a surprise to anyone who remembers Young from his time at Old Trafford. The former England international was always a top professional from the moment he joined from Aston Villa.
Following his retirement announcement on Thursday morning, Young took to Instagram to share a series of photos from his career.
Young also wrote: “From Sefton Road to Vicarage Road to Villa Park to Wembley to Old Trafford to San Siro back to Villa Park to Goodison Park and finally to Portman Road.
“It’s been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy! But with this dream there has to be an ending and Saturday might be the Last Game Of My Professional Career. 23 years and OUT!”
Patrice Evra led the tributes from former United players, who played with Young.
“Soo much respect,” Evra wrote.
David de Gea said: “What a career.”
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand shared what appears to be a private joke between the pair, with the comment: “Butters tho!!”
Former United academy graduate James Garner, who is currently thriving at Everton, wrote: “The best!! Congrats brother.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Ashley Young announces his retirement after a 23-year professional career
- Ipswich Town are pushing for promotion, but Young will remain a squad member until the 2025/26 campaign comes to an end
- Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and David de Gea were quick to react to Young’s retirement
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Ashley Young statement on retirement
Young also released a statement on the official Ipswich Town website.
“I am incredibly proud and fortunate to have achieved everything I have during my career,” Young said.
“It’s not too often you sit and think about this while you are still in the game, but I have lived my dream during the last 23 years. It’s now time for some reflection on what I’ve been able to achieve and the next few weeks and months will be when I decide what I am going to do next.
“But that is all to come. My full focus is on Saturday and helping this club achieve our goal, which is promotion back to the Premier League.”
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