David Meyler has called it a day as a professional footballer at the age of 30, citing a long-term knee injury as the reason.
The former Sunderland and Republic of Ireland midfielder David Meyler has retired from professional football, making the surprise announcement via his social media channels.
The Corkonian took to his Twitter and Instagram pages on Friday morning, saying:
"After a few hard days of thinking I have decided to retire from playing professional football. The injuries I sustained to my right knee have eventually caught up with me and I am left with no other option.
"It’s tough to take but I know deep down it’s the correct decision. I always knew this day would come but I never expected it to be so soon. I’d like to thank everyone I’ve played with, every manager I’ve played for and of course the football clubs & fans I have represented.
"It’s been an incredible journey. Finally thank you to my wife Cally, my Dad, Mum and Sister for being so supportive through everything. You’ve helped a young boy live out his dreams.
"Thank you all for everything."
Meyler, whose father John recently ended his tenure as the Cork senior hurling manager, most recently played for Coventry City on a loan spell from his parent club, Reading.
The Rochestown native won 26 caps for the Republic of Ireland and captained Martin O'Neill's side that lost to Denmark in the 2018 World Cup play-off at the Aviva Stadium.
Meyler played a significant role in some of Ireland's most memorable days of the last decade, including his outstanding performance as an auxiliary right-back in the 1-1 draw away to Germany in the Euro 2016 qualifier and his heroic midfield display against Wales in October 2017.
O'Neill appointed Meyler as his skipper on that enthralling night in Cardiff, where Ireland's 1-0 victory set-up the aforementioned play-off with Denmark.
Republic of Ireland's David Meyler and Republic of Ireland's James McClean celebrate during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group D match at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff.Meyler broke through at Cork City in 2008 before the then 19-year-old was quickly snapped up by Roy Keane at Sunderland.
He remained at the Stadium of Light until 2012 when he joined Hull City, initially on loan.
The transfer was made permanent in 2013 and Meyler's five-year spell at the club represented the most successful period in his career, the highlight being his appearance in the 2014 FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Meyler joined Reading on a free transfer in the summer of 2018 but struggled to hold down a regular first-team place before joining Coventry on loan in January of this year.
However, the persistent issue with his right knee has prematurely ended the 30-year-old's terrific career.
The tributes have been pouring in from clubs and players associated with Meyler since the announcement was made on Friday morning.
Best of luck in the future, @DavidMeyler! 🔴⚪️#SAFC https://t.co/wlTQGQhBQE
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 30, 2019
👏 All the best to @DavidMeyler, who has today announced his retirement from professional football.
Thanks for the memories, David! 🧡
From everyone at the club, we wish you a happy retirement! 🙌#hcafc | #theTigers pic.twitter.com/xaOWfxUebw— Hull City (@HullCity) August 30, 2019
Congratulations on a great career. Good luck with everything for the future. 🇮🇪
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) August 30, 2019
Thank you for what you have done in the sport. It was nice playing with you mate. Happy retirement and good luck in everything 🙏🙏
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) August 30, 2019
⚽️ He’s come a long way since captaining our Youths!
Our best wishes to former Ram @DavidMeyler on his retirement 👏 https://t.co/UigKffofMs pic.twitter.com/tZMoHLjvd9— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) August 30, 2019
Congratulations on your career @DavidMeyler ! Had the pleasure of playing against & with you! Good luck in retirement ! pic.twitter.com/AHCX3Tuory
— Ryan Mason (@RyanMason) August 30, 2019
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