Ex-Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn has announced his retirement form professional football in an emotional message on social media.
Martyn Waghorn joined Rangers from Wigan Athletic in 2015 alongside now captain James Tavernier and spent two years in Glasgow before leaving for Ipswich Town.
It was Waghorn’s 20 goals which fired Rangers to promotion from the Scottish Championship and the 35-year-old retains an affinity with the Ibrox club.
Pulling the curtain down on a career which spanned 17 years and 12 clubs, Rangers got a mention as Waggy hangs up his boots once and for all.
Martyn Waghorn retires from football
In a statement on social media, Martyn Waghorn confirmed his retirement from football.
The striker paid tribute to all 12 of his former clubs in an emotional message aimed at football and everything that it’s given the striker in his life.
Waghorn has also paid tribute to his family for their support and a number of the individuals who helped him achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
Branding all the clubs he played for ‘great’, Waghorn reserved special praise for Sunderland for giving him the opportunity to play the game.
Martyn Waghorn made 78 appearances for Rangers, scoring 44 goals for the club.
Rangers mentioned in Martyn Waghorn statement
The statement reads:
“Football. It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve been very fortunate to pay for some great clubs in my career and never took that for granted.
”Charlton Athletic, Leicester City, Hull City, Millwall, Wigan Athletic, Rangers, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Coventry City, Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town.
“I am proud to have worn the shirt of every one of these great clubs.
”Every time I stepped on the pitch all I wanted to do was make my family proud. There has been some manage memories with friends and family that I will cherish forever.
”Thank you to everyone at Sunderland for gibing me the opportunity in the game. You believed in me from seven years old until my debut at 17, thank you all.
”To represent my country at various age groups was always an honour and to score on my England U21 debut was such a proud moment.
“Thank you to everyone who has been there and supported me along the way. I would like to mention some great academy coaches, Elliot Dickman, Ged McNamee & Kevin Ball to name a few but also everyone who helped me during my time at the academy. The friends and people I’ve met along the way… it’s been some journey.
“My family, thank you. Honestly I don’t know where I would without you all. Mam and Dad thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me and with me, starting at Boldon Colts with you dad, what an amazing journey we’ve been on.
”Leoni, Ruben and Enzo. I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have had you by my side in my career. To share amazing memories and moments with you is something I will cherish forever.
”I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life and career as a dad and husband. Thank you. Waggy.”
