Ex-Man United midfielder Tom Cleverley retires from football at the age of 33

Watford captain Tom Cleverley has retired from football at the age of 33 due to injury.

Cleverley, who started his career at Manchester United and was capped 13 times by England, made just one league appearance for Watford last season as he spent much time on the sidelines with an Achilles problem.

Watford chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury told the club's official website: 'No one could have worked harder than Tom did to make it back from several injuries, which he's tried to do while always providing a positive force around the players.

'I can't speak highly enough about Tom as a person, a player and our captain. Tom is the type of professional all clubs would be delighted to have in their team.

'The year's loan at the club before he joined again in January 2017 really helped him settle quickly into being a senior player with us, and his experience has proved invaluable over these past six years.'

Watford hinted that Cleverley will be remaining at the club in some capacity.

After starting out in Bradford's youth setup, Cleverley joined Manchester United's academy at the age of 11 and went on to play 79 times for the Red Devils at senior level, scoring five goals. He won the Premier League title in 2012-13 and also lifted the Community Shield twice.

During his time at United Cleverley had loan spells at Leicester City (with whom he won the League One title), Watford, Wigan and Aston Villa.

In 2015 he signed for Everton on a permanent basis and went on to play 42 times for the club. Cleverley returned to Watford for another loan spell in 2017 and then made the switch permanent.

Across his three spells at Watford, Cleverley played 181 times and scored 19 goals, while he provided 15 assists.

On the international stage he played 13 times for England between 2012 and 2013. He also represented the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 Olympics.