Official: Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green retires from football

After carrying out the task of being Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper with much grace and enthusiasm this season, 39-year-old Robert Green has decided to retire from football, announcing his retirement on social media a couple days after lifting the biggest trophy of his career.

Here is his full statement announcing his retirement:

Following an incredible evening in Baku on Wednesday and after a 23-year career spanning three decades, I’ve decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from professional football.

Being part of the group and celebrations with such a special squad of players after winning the Europa League seems a fitting way to end what’s been an amazing journey for me in the game.

I’ve loved every moment and feel privileged to have enjoyed the career I have. I’ve played with, and against, some of best players in the world and have experienced so much that professional football has to offer.

I’ve had the joy of representing some fantastic clubs, all of whom have helped to shape me in their own varying way. Thank you to all of the fans and everybody connected with Norwich City, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Chelsea. Representing my country will always be one of my proudest achievements and I feel honoured to have played for England.

Thank you to all of the managers, coaches and staff I’ve worked with and thank you to all of the teammates that I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years. Collectively we’ve shared some amazing times and I leave the game with memories that I’ll always treasure.

A special thank you must go to my Mum and Dad and entire family for your unwavering support. It means so much for them to have followed and watched nearly all my games, sharing my highs and lows.

A special thank you must go to my Mum and Dad and entire family for your unwavering support. It means so much for them to have followed and watched nearly all my games, sharing my highs and lows.

Finally a thank you to my wife and our two children. Thank you for your care and encouragement, it was so special for you to share Wednesday night together with me.

Looking forward I’m excited about what the future has to offer. I hope to remain connected with the game that’s given me so much in some capacity, whatever that proves to be, but for now I’m just looking forward to having my first summer off in 23 years! Thanks for the memories. Robert.

-Robert Green, Source: Twitter

Green retires with 658 professional appearances, most of which came in the colors of Norwich City, where he came through the Academy as well, and West Ham United. Coincidentally, he registered 241 appearances for either club! He joined Chelsea last summer after a season at Huddersfield where he also did not play a single match.

But even though he didn't contribute on the pitch, he proved a useful and quite popular member of the squad, as evidenced by all the celebrations on Wednesday, as well as his appearance in the post-season charity friendly in Boston. His retirement means that Chelsea will be on the lookout for a new homegrown third goalkeeper, preferably a veteran like Green to provide similar experience and guidance for Arrizabalaga and the other young goalkeepers.

This may not be the last we hear or see of the 39-year-old as he intends to stay involved in the game. He lives right by Chelsea’s training ground already and has a business management degree (or at least studied for it), and obviously has vast amounts of experience.

But first! A summer break. Good luck on all your future endeavor, Greeno!