‘I’LL LEAVE IT TO THE NEXT GENERATION’

on holiday in Europe when he confirmed rumours that started two weeks ago.

He had always claimed he would play only as long as he felt he could compete at a title-winning level, and with his 45th birthday coming five weeks before the start of next season, he finally accepted time was up.

Brady said: “I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition. If a 100 percent competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.

“There is a physical, mental and emotional challenge every day that has allowed me to maximise my highest potential. I have tried my very best these 22 years.

“There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life. This is difficult for me, but here it goes... I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things.

“My team-mates, coaches, fellow competitors, and fans deserve 100 percent of me, but right now, it’s best I leave the field of play to the next generation of dedicated and committed athletes.”