Ashley Young has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 23-year playing career that included spells with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Everton.
The 40-year-old, who is currently with Ipswich Town, is aiming to finish his career on a high by helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League on the final day of the Championship season on May 2.
In a statement on Ipswich Town’s official website, Young said, “I am incredibly proud and fortunate to have achieved everything I have during my career.
“It’s not too often you sit and think about this while you are still in the game, but I have lived my dream during the last 23 years. It’s now time for some reflection on what I’ve been able to achieve and the next few weeks and months will be when I decide what I am going to do next.
“But that is all to come. My full focus is on Saturday and helping this club achieve our goal, which is promotion back to the Premier League.”
Over the course of his career, Young has made 765 club appearances and scored 88 goals.
During his time at Manchester United, he lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League, while he also claimed the Serie A title with Inter Milan.
On the international stage, Young earned 39 caps for England.
Ipswich Town manager, Kieran McKenna, praised the veteran’s impact, saying, “Ashley’s career in the game speaks for itself and it has been an honour to have worked with him, firstly at Manchester United and then here at Ipswich this season.
“The professionalism, competitiveness and quality he displays every day has had a massive impact on the group this season and I know he wants nothing more than to end his career by helping us achieve our goal.”
