Tributes have flooded in from across British football after Gareth McAuley announced his retirement.
The 39-year-old posted on Twitter on Monday morning, to confirm the news that he would be hanging up his boots.
“A lot of people have been asking me what my plans are since the summer so I thought it was time to publicly state that I’ve decided to retire from playing,” wrote the 6ft 3″ now-former defender.
He said he felt he had got “everything possible” from his career, before going on to thank coaches and individual clubs he played for.
There was a special mention for the Gers, too.
“The final move was also a very special moment; signing for Rangers, the club I supported as a boy. To pull on that blue shirt meant the world to me.”
The final section was then dedicated to his experiences as an international: “But it was the green shirt of Northern Ireland which filled me with bursting pride.”
McAuley was a rare breed of a footballer for more than one reason.
Firstly, it’s not often you see a player rise up through all levels of the footballing pyramid. He did things the hard way, having to graft to earn a move across the Irish sea, before working his way up from lowly Lincoln City to the Premier League.
His longevity also makes him stand out. Not many outfield players are still going at 39 and it’s a testament to his fitness that up until his Rangers stint, he made it through his career largely injury-free.
Finally, there aren’t too many individuals who are so influential for their country, that they make it onto the New Year’s Honours list. McAuley did just that, though, being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2019 [BBC].
McAuley was the consummate professional who endeared himself to his country’s fans and those of the clubs he represented.
Former Rangers defender hailed after retirement call
That’s why there was such an outpouring of tributes from supporters, coaches and fellow players when he announced the end of his career.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MilneBlair/status/1178572809913671681
https://twitter.com/Daws___/status/1178559089082880000
https://twitter.com/Jimmy_shan78/status/1178557255853236224
https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1178597811170025473
