Bobby Zamora announces retirement from football following 17-year career

Bobby Zamora has announced his retirement from professional football after spending 17 years in the game.

What amazing memories @OfficialBHAFC @WestHamUtd @FulhamFC @QPRFC @England @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/alQlcutUgR

— Bobby Zamora (@RobertZamora25) December 9, 2016

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since being released by Brighton & Hove Albion at the end of last season.

The striker's career went into decline after he required surgery on a troublesome hip injury, and has now decided to call it a day.

In an interview on Brighton's official website, Zamora said: "I think so, yes [my career is over]. It was a frustrating time last year. My hip decided to let me down at the final hurdle. It resulted in just training on a Thursday and being in pain.

"It came to the end and I needed an op. I had the operation before the end of the season. It was frustrating but it was something I needed to do. I certainly couldn't play."

During his career, Zamora played for Bristol Rovers, Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers.

The forward also featured twice for England.