Former Manchester United star Tom Cleverley announces retirement from football in moving statement
Man United academy graduate Tom Cleverley has revealed he was forced to retire from football aged just 33.
Tom Cleverley had to give up his career. (Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images.)
Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been forced to retire aged 33.
The Watford captain issued a statement midday on Saturday to say he had been forced to hang up his boots due to injury. The Reds academy graduate missed most of last season with an Achilles tendon problem and made just four appearances. His last game for Watford came on 11 February as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road. He joined the Hornets on a permanent deal in 2017, after spending two spells on loan at Hertfordshire.
Cleverley made 181 appearances for the Championship club over three seasons, scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists.
Would you like to join our MUFC Pro Club and get a totally ad-free version of MEN’s Man United app full of premium features? Click here. In a statement on his Instagram page, Cleverley, who joined United in 2000 aged 11, said: “Today I am announcing that I am retiring from football as a player. The past year has been extremely difficult to overcome the hurdles of the injury.
“Unfortunately, my body has let me down and it no longer has the ability to perform. I haven’t thought much about it yet, but I’m trying to focus on a positive future and I’m excited about what’s to come. Bringing
“I would like to thank the staff, team-mates and fans of Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England. Special mentions go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson. The people and the club that gave me the foundation as a player and as a person and also the club that made my dreams come true. Going through the academy and representing the first team fills me with great pride.
“To everyone associated with Watford Football Club. It is my privilege to call this club home. It has been an honor to captain this club and the staff, players and supporters will always be in my heart. .” The love you gave me as a young borrower when I retired as a grown man, I can never repay.
“Lastly, the love and support of my wife, kids, mom, dad and agent. I know it hasn’t been easy for you at times, but none of this would have been possible without YOU.”
The midfielder made 79 appearances during his career at Old Trafford, scoring five goals and providing eight assists. He also won a Premier League title and two Community Shields.
Scott Duxbury, chairman and chief executive of Watford, added: “No one could have worked harder than Tom to recover from several injuries, which he attempted while still bringing a positive force to the players.” I can’t even praise Tom enough as a person, player and our captain. “Tom is the all-clutch pro guy
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