Former England international Peter Crouch calls time on career

Peter Crouch has retired from football, the former England international has confirmed.

Crouch, famously tall at 6ft 6in, was at the peak of his powers between 2005 and 2011, when he played for Liverpool before a move to Tottenham.

But his ability to poach goals - alongside an iconic robot celebration - made him a fan favourite for both club and country.

And he called time on his ‘absolute dream’ on Friday, after ending his playing career with Burnley.

He confirmed his retirement on Twitter, writing: “After a lot of deliberation this summer I have decided to retire from football! Our wonderful game has given me everything.

“I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long.

“If you told me at 17 I’d play in World Cups, get to a Champions League final, win the FA Cup and get 100 @premierleague goals I would have avoided you at all costs.

“It’s been an absolute dream come true.”

Crouch scored 108 top-flight goals in 468 appearances for seven different clubs and also holds the record for the most headed goals in Premier League history.

He played at the 2006 World Cup and scored his first competitive goal for England during a 2-0 group-stage victory against Trinidad and Tobago. He was also selected for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

‘A brilliant career’

Former colleagues and opponents were quick to praise Crouch on his career - which saw him feature for Southampton, Stoke and QPR.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba praised both his quality and personality, while former club Portsmouth thanked him for his service.

Former England striker Alan Shearer wrote on Twitter: “Congrats big man, a brilliant career and good luck going forward.”

Current England players Harry Maguire and Jack Butland, a team-mate of Crouch’s during his time at Stoke, also paid tribute to the striker.

Maguire wrote: “Incredible career. Enjoy retirement.”

Butland added: “Been an honour to play and share a dressing room with you big man @petercrouch best of luck in the next stage of your career.”

Additional by PA.

Featured from our writers

• Cricket World Cup - Bayliss vows to walk away even if hosts complete World Cup and Ashes dream double

• Wimbledon 2019: Underdog Roberto Bautista Agut admits he cancelled his own stag do to play in semi-final

• Woakes hails 'incredible performance' as England hammer Australia to reach World Cup final