Captain Ash announces retirement from game
FORMER Wales captain Ashley Williams has announced his retirement from football.
The 36-year-old led his country to their first international tournament in 58 years after Wales qualified for EURO 2016, before captaining Chris Coleman’s side on their remarkable run to the semi-final.
It was the undoubted high point in an international career that saw him win 86 caps - scoring two goals. However, one of those two was the crucial equaliser against Belgium in the famous 3-1 European Championship quarter-final win.
On the club scene, it was with Swansea City where the centreback made his mark.
Having started his career with Hednesford Town and then Stockport County, Williams would become a mainstay in the Swans’ defence for eight years after joining them in 2008.
He was an ever-present as the club reached the Premier League for the first time in 2011, while he also led them to a League Cup win in 2013 which saw them qualify for the Europa League.
He left in 2016 to join Everton, before having further spells at Stoke City and Bristol City.
However, having been without a club since last summer, he has now decided to hang up his boots.
In a statement, Williams said: “After consideration of recent offers to continue playing, I would like to announce my retirement as a professional footballer. It has been an honour to play 741 games across all levels of the English football leagues and to represent some incredible teams.
“It has been an unbelievable journey and one I will look back on with my family and be immensely proud of. Started from Non-League to playing at the highest level in the Premier League, as well as captaining my county on 86 occasions was beyond my wildest dreams. Captaining Wales in a semi-final of a European Championship in 2016 was my greatest achievement and something I will never forget.
“I would like to thank all my former team-mates, managers, back-room staff and fans, for without them professional football would not exist. A special mention to my incredible family, friends and my management company New Era Global Sports, who have supported me on every step of my journey and will continue to assist me in my transition into life after playing.
“Football has taught me so much both on and off the field and I will take this with me into the next chapter. I look forward to still being involved in the game in the future. Thanks again.”