OFFICIAL: Former Chelsea player Gary Cahill announces retirement from football

OFFICIAL: Former Chelsea player Gary Cahill has announced his retirement from football aged 36.

The former England international who also played for Aston Villa, Bolton, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth confirmed the news in a post on social media.

Cahill's best success came at Stamford Bridge where he was part of Champions League and Premier League winning teams.

In his post he wrote: 'Football is a game that has given me so much enjoyment and success and as I make the decision to hang up my boots, I can honestly say I gave it everything I had.

I've achieved things I once dreamt of, creating some incredible memories. From amazing highs like winning the Champions League and Premier League, to the privilege of captaining my country and Chelsea in an FA Cup winning team will remain with me forever.

'I've also made some fantastic friendships with people across the football world, from teammates, managers, and the unsung heroes behind the scenes, I just want to say a massive thank you.

'Taking the decision to stop playing is not an easy one. I've spent 20 years training every day, putting in the work to be in the best possible shape for matchday to help the teams I’ve played for be successful.

'I’ve had time to consider my options and after much deliberation and reflection I feel now is the time to move on to the next stage of my career.

'A special thank you must go to my amazing family who have supported me and been there every step of the way. I now have the opportunity to spend some quality time with them which is something I’m looking forward to.

'Beyond that, football will always be part of who I am and what I love so this is just the end of this chapter. For me it’s important to look forwards not backwards as a new chapter in my life begins.'

Cahill, who earned 61 caps and scored five goals for his country, has been without a club since leaving Bournemouth in the summer.

The two-time Premier League winner believes now is the time to hang up his boots.

Cahill exclusively told Sky Sports: "Obviously, it's been a tough decision in some aspects but I think I just knew the journey had to come to an end at some stage. I just got the feeling that now is the right time.

"I did have options. I could have played in the Premier League with one side and I had a couple of options in the Championship which is flattering to still get the offers.

"But at the moment, as well as my career, my kids are settled at school and it would've meant moving again."

Cahill's biggest achievement was being part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League in 2012, and he collected eight major honours during his time at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Chelsea as a free agent in 2019, Cahill joined Crystal Palace for a two-year spell where he made 47 appearances in all competitions under former England manager Roy Hodgson.

The former Bolton and Aston Villa centre-back was unable to reach an agreement on a new contract with the Eagles after weeks of talks in 2021, so he joined Bournemouth on a short-term deal for the 2021/22 campaign.

Cahill did not renew his contract despite making 22 league appearances in the Cherries' promotion from the Championship.