Gary Cahill: Former Chelsea and England defender announces retirement following illustrious playing career | Football News

Former England and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

Cahill, who earned 61 caps and scored five goals for his country, has been without a club since leaving Bournemouth in the summer.

The two-time Premier League winner believes now is the time to hang up his boots.

Cahill exclusively told Sky Sports: “Obviously, it’s been a tough decision in some aspects but I think I just knew the journey had to come to an end at some stage. I just got the feeling that now is the right time.

“I did have options. I could have played in the Premier League with one side and I had a couple of options in the Championship which is flattering to still get the offers.

“But at the moment, as well as my career, my kids are settled at school and it would’ve meant moving again.”

Cahill’s biggest achievement was being part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League in 2012, and he collected eight major honours during his time at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Chelsea as a free agent in 2019, Cahill joined Crystal Palace for a two-year spell where he made 47 appearances in all competitions under former England manager Roy Hodgson.

The former Bolton and Aston Villa centre-back was unable to reach an agreement on a new contract with the Eagles after weeks of talks in 2021, so he joined Bournemouth on a short-term deal for the 2021/22 campaign.

Cahill did not renew his contract despite making 22 league appearances in the Cherries’ promotion from the Championship.