Former England midfielder Adam Lallana retires

Former England star Adam Lallana has formally retired from professional football after 20 remarkable years. The 36-year-old midfielder concluded his career at Southampton, the same club where he began, stating it the perfect and meaningful end to his football career.

Lallana began his professional career at Southampton and returned to his old club in his final season, wearing his favorite colors one last time. In between, he also played for Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Brighton, tallying 305 Premier League and 283 for Southampton in total.

He played a pivotal role in guiding Southampton from League One to the Europa League, even commanding the team himself while he played there. In 2014, he moved to Liverpool and had huge success—winning both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He spent his final six seasons of football active years at Brighton.

Internationally, Lallana earned 34 caps for England and was awarded England’s Player of the Year in 2016. Playing for the national side was the highlight of his career, he said.

In an emotive Instagram post, Lallana expressed gratitude to all the people who had been with him throughout. He was very thankful to Southampton for being “where everything started and where it now ends.” He also praised Liverpool and Brighton and wished to thank his wife Emily, their two boys, his parents, and sister for their ongoing support.

During the last season, Adam Lallana had also served on a temporary basis as an interim assistant coach at Southampton. He is currently said to remain at the club and work under new head coach Will Still in a full-time coaching role.