Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly has introduced his retirement from soccer on the age of 35.
And the choice to hold up his boots was made simpler by his want to characteristic in a Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match.
3
Kelly, who final performed an expert sport in February 2023 for Wigan Athletic, has now formally referred to as time on his enjoying days.
The ex-right again has not revealed the information to followers on his social media, however he confirmed his retirement to The Athletic.
He mentioned in an interview: “I’ve by no means truly bought round to writing the social media submit to announce it; I’ve solely informed family and friends, however yeah, I’ve retired.
“It was March after I sat down with the household and informed them I used to be eager about it.”
Kelly additionally then went on to disclose the particular factor that pushed him to make the choice to retire from enjoying.
And it was as a result of he wished to fulfill the necessities to play in a legends match between Chelsea and Liverpool.
He continued: “Across the similar time, I bought requested to play for Liverpool in a legends sport towards Chelsea.
“One of many stipulations was that you simply needed to be retired, in order that simply reaffirmed my determination.”
Liverpool additionally revealed the information on their web site, wanting again on Kelly’s profession on the membership and different groups.
They then wrote: “Everybody at LFC needs him one of the best of luck for the longer term.”
3
Kelly’s profession
Kelly started his soccer profession at Liverpool, becoming a member of the academy at eight years outdated and breaking via into the primary crew.
He went on to play 62 video games for the Reds throughout six years on the membership, making his senior debut within the Champions League.
Throughout his time at Anfield, the previous right-back claimed his solely England cap and featured within the Three Lions’ squad at Euro 2012.
An ACL damage meant his profession was majorly impacted in 2013 and he ultimately joined Crystal Palace in 2014.
Throughout eight years at Palace, Kelly performed over 120 video games and have become a daily characteristic within the Eagles’ defence.
He then joined West Brom in 2022 and was loaned out to Wigan a yr later, the place he sadly picked up one other critical damage on his debut and performed his ultimate sport.
3
Legends in motion
Kelly’s retirement allowed him to characteristic within the Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match on Saturday, October 11.
Icons and former gamers from each Premier League giants have been a part of the fixture at Stamford Bridge.
Eden Hazard, Petr Cech, John Terry, Marcel Desailly, Diego Costa, Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou performed for Chelsea.
Liverpool’s squad included Pepe Reina, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Jay Spearing and Fabio Aurelio.
Kelly joined these stars and others within the Reds crew for what was a match put collectively for an awesome trigger.
All proceeds from the charity conflict will likely be going to the LFC Basis and the Chelsea Basis.