Sheffield United legend Billy Sharp has introduced his retirement from soccer on the age of 40.
Sharp, who performed for Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Hull Metropolis, Scunthorpe United, Studying, Doncaster Rovers and Rushden & Diamonds throughout a 22-year skilled profession, throughout which he scored 299 targets.
He had been a free agent since leaving Doncaster on the finish of final season, when he signed off in fashion in his remaining sport with a hat-trick in opposition to Peterborough.
“I will hold my boots up. I’ve given it a very good journey. I’ve obtained a good distance, obtained to 40,” Sharp instructed Sky Sports activities.
“I needed to exit by myself phrases. I’ve seen many mates get taken away by damage and issues like that.
“I needed to exit with a bang and by chance for me, I obtained a hat-trick in my final look.
“I am possibly not probably the most proficient participant, possibly not probably the most favored on the pitch however that is as a result of I really like soccer. I am passionate and I believe I’ve obtained each single bit out of my profession.
“I’ve made reminiscences in soccer that may final me a lifetime.”
A boyhood Blades supporter, Sharp made his Championship debut off the bench in opposition to Watford in November 2004.
He went on to develop into membership captain and an vital determine in three promotion-winning campaigns – from League One in 2017 and the Championship in 2019 and 2023.
In three spells with Sheffield United, Sharp scored 129 targets for the membership and have become a Blades icon.
He was additionally a part of the Southampton aspect that gained promotion to the Premier League in 2012.
He loved a quick keep within the MLS with LA Galaxy in 2023, after which many thought retirement loomed – however the ageless Sharp returned to his native Yorkshire to increase his profession, firstly with Hull after which Doncaster Rovers.
Sharp scored a dramatic late winner in opposition to Bradford Metropolis to safe promotion to League One for Rovers in 2025 earlier than his spectacular ending to final season which meant he had scored EFL hat-tricks in his teenagers, 20s, 30s and 40s. He did rating a fourth in opposition to Peterborough which might have taken him to 300 profession targets but it surely was dominated out for offside.
“It might have been beautiful to have gotten that three hundredth aim on that day however I’ve had an unbelievable profession,” he stated.
Sharp has joined Baller League crew N5, which is led by former Arsenal and Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to play six-a-side soccer however he additionally has one eye on administration having accomplished his teaching badges.
