Rickie Lambert announces retirement

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Saints legend Rickie Lambert has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old striker has been without a club since leaving Cardiff in July this year.

Lambert scored 117 goals in 235 appearances for Southampton helping the club achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. He went on to become an England international and netted on his debut against Scotland before spells with Liverpool and West Brom.



Lambert's statement: "I feel lucky to have been involved in this sport for as long as I have.

"I have had some ups and downs in my career but to have represented clubs like Southampton, Liverpool and playing for my country in a World Cup were beyond my wildest dreams.

"Playing and scoring for England is probably my proudest professional moment and I will look back at every aspect of how I got there with fond memories.

"I would like to thank the fans of all the clubs I played for but especially Southampton where I enjoyed my best years as a footballer and had a special relationship with everyone connected to the club.

"Thank you to all the players I have played with and managers I have played for throughout my career. It was an honour to work with you all.

"Thank you to my family and friends who have been always there for me, especially my gorgeous wife Amy.

"I will be taking a break for a while to spend some quality time with my family just being a husband and father. In the future I hope to give back as best I can to the game that has given me so much."







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