Former England international, Ashley Young, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable 23-year career filled with trophies, consistency and longevity at the highest level of the game.
In an emotional farewell message, the 40-year-old reflected on his journey from Watford’s academy to becoming one of the most respected and versatile players of his generation.
Young described his career as a “childhood dream” fulfilled, highlighting his Premier League triumph with Manchester United and his Serie A success with Inter Milan among his proudest achievements.
Young said helping Inter Milan win the Serie A title after a 10-year wait was a special moment in his career, while representing England at the FIFA World Cup was another unforgettable experience.
“What a career,” Young stated as he thanked his family, coaches, teammates and supporters for standing by him throughout his football journey.
The veteran defender and winger ended his playing career after a final spell with Ipswich Town, where he hoped to finish by helping the club secure automatic promotion.
Over the course of his career, Young made more than 760 club appearances, scoring 86 goals and providing over 100 assists. He played for clubs including Watford FC, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Everton FC and Ipswich Town.
Young won eight major trophies during his career. His honours include one Premier League title, one Serie A title, one FA Cup, one UEFA Europa League trophy, one EFL Cup and three Community Shields.
Internationally, he earned 39 caps for the England national team, making his debut in 2007. He represented England at UEFA Euro 2012 and featured in the 2018 World Cup, where the Three Lions reached the semi-finals.
Widely admired for successfully transforming from an attacking winger into a dependable full-back later in his career, Young leaves the game with a reputation for professionalism, leadership and determination.
