Crouch announces retirement from football

Former England striker Peter Crouch has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

Crouch made his English league debut in 2000 at QPR and went on to play for nine clubs, including Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke before spending the second half of last season at Burnley.

He made his England debut against Colombia in May 2005 and went on to play 42 times for the Three Lions, scoring 22 goals.

He confirmed his retirement on Twitter, writing: "After a lot of deliberation this summer I have decided to retire from football! Our wonderful game has given me everything.

"I'm so thankful to everyone who helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long.

"If you told me at 17 I'd play in World Cups, get to a Champions League final, win the FA Cup and get 100 @premierleague goals I would have avoided you at all costs.

"It's been an absolute dream come true."

Former England striker Alan Shearer wrote on Twitter: "Congrats big man, a brilliant career and good luck going forward."

Current England players Harry Maguire and Jack Butland, a team-mate of Crouch's during his time at Stoke, also paid tribute to the striker.

Maguire wrote: "Incredible career. Enjoy retirement."

Butland added: "Been an honour to play and share a dressing room with you big man @petercrouch best of luck in the next stage of your career."

Crouch scored 108 top-flight goals in 468 appearances for seven different clubs and also holds the record for the most headed goals in Premier League history.

He played at the 2006 World Cup and scored his first competitive goal for England during a 2-0 group-stage victory against Trinidad and Tobago. He was also selected for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.