Former Leeds star Jermaine Beckford forced to retire aged 35 through injury
FORMER Everton and Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has retired from football due to injuries.
The 35-year-old was last at Bury where he made just one appearance last season after enduring a series of operations.
Beckford will be remembered for his famous FA Cup third round winner he scored for League One Leeds against Manchester United in 2010.
Confirming his retirement on Instagram, he wrote: “My journey as a professional footballer has unfortunately come to an end.
“The operations I’ve had over the last couple of years have gotten the better of me.
“Football has given me all and more than I could’ve ever dreamed of and for all those that I have had the privilege of meeting and sharing any and all moments with, I will be eternally grateful!”
Beckford’s youth career began at Chelsea before joining non-league Wealdstone where a record of 35 goals in 40 games earned him a move to Leeds in 2006.
His most prolific season came in the 2009/10 campaign when he scored 31 goals in all competitions including that one against the Red Devils.
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With big clubs circling, he refused to pen a new deal and later signed for Everton on a free transfer.
He lasted just one season at Goodison, where he will be remembered for a solo effort against Chelsea, before making a £2.5million move to Leicester.
Beckford would also enjoy spells at Huddersfield, Bolton and Preston where he scored a hat-trick in the League One Play-off final against Swindon.
The former striker has launched a vegan sports and nutrition product.
He added: “I, along with my wife Laura have founded this amazing organic vegan sports / wellness nutrition and the progress we have made over this past year has been incredible!”