Former Hearts, Celtic and Scotland keeper Craig Gordon announces retirement at 43

Former Hearts, Celtic, and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has announced his retirement after a 25-year playing career.

The veteran goalkeeper, 43, signed up for another year at Hearts last summer, making three appearances as they narrowly missed out on the league title.

He was called up as part of Scotland’s World Cup squad, but did not add to his 84 caps.

Gordon has now announced his retirement following an illustrious career that saw him play for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Sunderland, and Celtic before his return to Tynecastle.

He won 15 major honours, including the Scottish Cup with Hearts in 2015, and six Premiership titles, five League Cups and three Scottish Cups with Celtic.

At 24 years old, Gordon became the youngest player to be inducted into Hearts’ hall of fame.

In 2007, his move to Sunderland from Edinburgh for £9m broke the British transfer record for a goalkeeper.

He went on to make one of the Premier League’s all-time great saves, with his 2010 denial against Bolton being named the best save in the league’s history.

In a retirement video released by Hearts, Gordon said: “There’s nothing better than walking out here at Tynecastle, hearing Gorgie Roar and celebrating a victory.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many of them. Some brought Edinburgh bragging rights, some brought trophies, some brought European memories. All of them special because I got to share them with the fans.

“I’m not much of a singer, but I improved a little after 84 renditions of the national anthem. The biggest names, at the biggest stadiums, on the biggest stages – I’ve savoured every moment of it.”