Andy Reid has announced his retirement from football.
The former Ireland international ends his career at Nottingham Forest after failing to recover from long-term injury problems.
The midfielder, famed for his lethal left foot, made 29 appearances as a senior Irish international since his debut in 2003 but fell out of favour, most notably during the Giovanni Trapattoni era.
In a statement today, the 34-year-old described the frustration he suffered with injuries over the years but says he has no regrets.
Video from Hadleigh McKinlay.
“I have no regrets and I know I did positive things for every team I played for,” Reid told the Nottingham Post.
“I’m just really, really disappointed that I couldn’t finish on a high, maybe with a promotion for Forest. There isn’t always a happy ending though.”
Raid spent the first five years of his professional career with Nottingham Forest, from 2000 to 2005. He then had spells with Tottenham, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, Sheffield United and Blackpool, before returning to his first club for a second spell in July 2011.
“I think my fairytale in football is the fact that I’ve had a long and, in my opinion, good, career. I’m very, very grateful for that. I’ve had some wonderful experiences, played in some big games, for some big clubs, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Tributes have poured in for the likeable midfielder.
Andy Reid Retires from Football
— NFFCfamily (@Nffcfamily) July 29, 2016
Thank you for the Memories at #nffc
Reidy Reidy Reidy Reidy 👏👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/hr3yjWjtFi
Andy Reid retires. A man who could simply just walk past a Chinese and put on 2 pounds, and still bang it in the top left from 30 yards.
— Cian Carroll (@CianByName) July 29, 2016
Andy Reid. One of the finest talents #NFFC have nurtured. Quite simply, he had a right foot and a left wand. A pleasure to watch. Thank you.
— Garibaldi Gallant (@TheGaribaldiG) July 29, 2016
Such a shame injury has got the better of Andy Reid. Lovely foootballer. If you doubt how hard he's worked to get fit, you're a moron #NFFC
— Andrew Chester (@Andrew_Chester) July 29, 2016
Real shame to hear Andy Reid's had to retire! Lovely guy and always a pleasure to interview. Wish him all the best #nffc
— Kirsty Edwards (@KirstyEdwards3) July 29, 2016
