Steve Sidwell has confirmed that he has decided to retire from professional football at the age of 35.
Sidwell helped Brighton & Hove Albion earn promotion to the Premier League in 2017, but the midfielder was sidelined throughout the last campaign with back and ankle injuries.
That has resulted in him opting to hang up his boots, and the veteran has taken to social media to open up on his decision.
Sidwell said: "Inevitably all good things come to an end, and sadly today I close the chapter of my professional football career.
"I am so lucky and privileged to have lived every kid's dream of playing football for a living, and to do that over a 20-year career is something I am extremely proud of, I am excited and ready for the next stage, which I will tackle head on, as I did throughout my career.
"Everything I have achieved would not have been possible without the support of my amazing family, the unconditional love from my wife Krystell, my four amazing children, my brother and sister, and most notably, my mum and dad. The sacrifices you made, and your commitment and belief in me helped to make my dreams a reality.
"For this, I will always be indebted to you, and my only goal throughout my career was to make you proud, and I hope I've done that."
Sidwell retires having scored 63 goals from 512 appearances for Brentford, Reading, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke City and Brighton.
Darren Plant
