Former England international Campbell retires

Former England international defender Sol Campbell has retired from football after almost two decades in the professional game.

"With all the work I've done over the years and being at the top it's not easy to say that it's all over – that's why I've put it off for a long time," said the 37-year-old, who was released by Newcastle United FC at the end of last season. "To say that I am not going to play professional football again is difficult because I've had a long time at the top and I've put in a lot of work and it's taken a lot of dedication."

Campbell began his career at Tottenham Hotspur FC and made his debut in December 1992, aged 18, going on to make 255 appearances for the club. The central defender won his first international cap against Hungary in May 1996 and three years later he became England's second youngest captain after Bobby Moore (Michael Owen became second youngest in 2002).

Campbell moved to Tottenham's north London rivals Arsenal FC and was a key member of their 2001/02 double-winning side. The Gunners lifted the FA Cup again in May 2003, and Campbell was a part of the 'Invincibles' squad which went undefeated as they claimed the 2003/04 Premier League title. A third FA Cup came the following season but despite scoring the opening goal in the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League final against FC Barcelona, Campbell missed out on senior European glory.

He became the first English player to play in six consecutive international tournaments at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and then moved to Portsmouth FC where he lifted the FA Cup for a fourth time in 2008. He had short spells at Notts County FC, Arsenal again and then last season at Newcastle United FC.