Everton defender Leighton Baines admits he found it difficult to make the decision to retire.
The 35-year-old called time on his playing career after his 420th and final appearance for the Toffees in the 3-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth.
“I am incredibly proud to have represented Everton for the past 13 years and my decision to retire has been a difficult one to make,” he said in a message to fans on the club’s official website.
🔵 | Leighton Baines has announced his retirement from football.— Everton (@Everton) July 26, 2020
“After speaking to my family, I feel now is the right time to end my playing career but I do so with many great memories at this proud football club.
“As someone from the city, Everton means so much to me and it has been an honour to be part of the club for so long.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my time at Everton, especially the fans who have been fantastic with me from the moment I signed.”
🗣 | @MrAncelotti pays tribute to the career of Leighton Baines and reflects on #EVEBOU defeat… pic.twitter.com/nPQEuZgbe3— Everton (@Everton) July 26, 2020
Baines joined from Wigan in 2007 and went on to win 30 England caps during his time at Goodison Park, appearing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
However, he has played just 17 times in the last two seasons as Lucas Digne took over as first-choice left-back.
He was out of contract at the end of the season and despite the club offering him the chance to extend it by 12 months, he has taken the decision to retire, although manager Carlo Ancelotti remains hopeful he can be persuaded to remain in some capacity.
“I am grateful to say thanks to him, I had only the last six months of his fantastic career and I found a fantastic player still,” said the Italian.
“I asked him to continue but he decided to stop. Everyone at the club has to be grateful to him.
It’s difficult to put into words not just what a great footballer Leighton is but also what a great friend he is. We had so many great battles against each other and special times as a teammate for club & country. I want to wish you & your family all the success in the future. pic.twitter.com/2jFmrNlvg0— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) July 26, 2020
“We tried to keep him, I think it was important as he was not only professional but because he is still a good left-back, fit, really professional but he decided and we had to respect this.
“We have time to think about a new role. We would like to know what he would like to do in the future and the fact he can stay with us will be a good opportunity to use his knowledge and his experience and for him also his new future.
“He didn’t talk to me but he has some days to think about this.”
