Former Premier League winger Michael Kightly announces retirement

Michael Kightly has announced his retirement from football aged 33.The winger has had his contract at Sky Bet League One side Southend terminated by mutual consent.He made 425 appearances, 75 of those in the Premier League having played top-flight matches for Wolves, Stoke and Burnley.Its been a great career but one that has been tough physically on my body, with a lot of operations, and its been tough mentally as well, more so in the last couple of years, Kightly told Southends website.To be honest it wasnt that difficult a decision to make. I thought about it in the summer and then I came back to pre-season and thought the time was right for me.Its frustrating when your legs cant do what they used to do, and I probably could play on for another year, or a couple of years, but I dont see the point to be honest.I was lucky enough to fulfil my dream of playing in the Premier League so Im really proud at all that I achieved.I look back and would like to have made more appearances in the Premier League but like I say a few injuries prevented that.Im proud and honoured to say that Ive been able to follow my dream but its time for a new chapter. Although Im scared about it, Im looking forward to it at the same time.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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