Jonathan Walters has confirmed his immediate retirement from football on social media. The 35-year old has struggled greatly with injury in recent times, with an achilles injury ultimately ending his career.
He managed only five appearances this season, with the most recent being in September during his loan spell at Ipswich Town. He also played the full 90 minutes in Ireland's 4-1 UEFA Nations League loss at Cardiff earlier that month.
He has been unable return to action in the intervening months, having returned to parent club Burnley after the injury. Walters took to social media today to confirm his retirement from football.
Isn’t it ironic...my Achilles heel has literally been my Achilles heel and finished me off!
I am now retired from playing football
It’s been epic
Veni vidi vici pic.twitter.com/ZC3m0LmYn5— Jonathan Walters (@JonWalters19) March 22, 2019
Isn’t it ironic...my Achilles heel has literally been my Achilles heel and finished me off!
I am now retired from playing football.
It’s been epic.
Veni vidi vici.
Walters will end his career 54 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, netting 14 goals in that span. He became a massive favourite for Irish fans during his time with the international team, coming up with some huge contributions over the years.
That includes his goals in the Euro 2012 play-off against Estonia, while he also scored in the play-off against Bosnia four years later.
Having spent some time away from the pitch recently, Walters has made a number of appearances in the media. That is something he will likely continue over the coming months, and he is set to feature on Virgin Media's coverage of England's game against Czech Republic this evening.
Hopefully he can become involved in Irish football in some capacity again in the future. All the best in your retirement Jonny!
