FORMER IRELAND INTERNATIONAL midfielder Andy Reid has announced his retirement from football on the day of his 34th birthday.

The Nottingham Forest stalwart, who played in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur, Charlton and Sunderland, won 29 caps for Ireland but spent almost two years sidelined struggling with a groin injury.

“I have no regrets and I know I did positive things for every team I played for,” Reid told the Nottingham Post.

“I’m just really, really disappointed that I couldn’t finish on a high, maybe with a promotion for Forest. There isn’t always a happy ending though,”

At his peak, Reid was lauded for his sublime left foot and the ability to conjure great goals from distance, but fitness concerns were never far away for the Dubliner.

“I think my fairytale in football is the fact that I’ve had a long and, in my opinion, good, career. I’m very, very grateful for that. I’ve had some wonderful experiences, played in some big games, for some big clubs, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

Be part

of the team Access exclusive podcasts, interviews and analysis with a monthly or annual membership. Become a Member

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!