Stewart Downing announces retirement from football
Stewart Downing has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37.
The winger ends a 20-year professional career that saw him make 725 club appearances and play 35 times for England, where he was a part of the squads for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012.
He most recently spent a two-year spell with Championship club Blackburn, before leaving Ewood Park at the end of June when his contract expired.
Speaking to Sky Sports News and reflecting on his career, Stewart Downing said: "I think it is the right time, I have been thinking about it for the last season really.
"I signed back to Blackburn late last season and it has always been in the back of my mind that this might be my last season.
"I have got loads of great memories to look back on but I think playing for En...