Former Scotland international Charlie Mulgrew retires from football

Former Scotland player Charlie Mulgrew has announced that he is retiring from playing football, drawing a line under an 18-year professional career.

The defender, who played 44 times for his country, played for eight clubs in his career with his spell at Celtic, where he won seven major trophies, the most notable and successful.

Mulgrew came through Celtic’s youth system and was loaned out to Dundee United early in his career for experience, catching the eye of Wolves, who took him down south before he had played a first team game for the Parkhead club.

The young defender found his time in the Midlands disrupted by injury and after a loan spell at Southend United, he returned to Scotland in 2008 to sign for Aberdeen.

Mulgrew played over 70 top flight games for the Pittodrie side and his performances persuaded Celtic to offer him a three-year deal and make him Neil Lennon’s first signing for the club.

In a six-year period in Glasgow, Mulgrew helped the team to five consecutive league tiles and two Scottish Cup triumphs, as well as establishing himself as a Scotland international.

In 2016, after his Celtic contract expired, he moved to Blackburn Rovers and would go on to play more than 100 games for the team over the next few years, helping the team to promotion to the Championship and latterly moving out to Wigan Athletic and then Fleetwood Town on loan.

Two years ago, he returned to add his experience to Dundee United but left this summer after the club’s relegation from the Premiership.

“Today I’m retiring from playing professional football,” the 37-year-old wrote in a message on social media.

“It’s not an easy decision as playing football is all I’ve known.

“Firstly I’d like to thank my family and friends for all your support, belief, loyalty and love you have given me over the last 21 years. You all had to make sacrifices along with me to follow my dream.

“Thank you to all eight clubs I played for, the Scotland national team I played 44 times for, I’m grateful for all that I’ve learned and the life I’ve been able to create because of them. My memories are priceless.

“I’ve played with and against some great players some of whom I’m lucky to call friends. I’ve been part of some great changing rooms which has made me realise it is essential for success.

“Football is nothing without fans and I’m grateful for the experiences and support you gave me through the highs and the lows.

“I am excited for what tomorrow brings, to new beginnings.”