Premier League English

[VIDEO] Leighton Baines retires from football

Leighton Baines has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35, ending his 18-year career in professional football.

Baines took his bow as a substitute in the final Premier League match of the season, but beaten 3-1 to Bournemouth.

Baines began his professional career with Wigan, making 145 appearances before joining the Toffees in 2007.

He rose to prominence as one of the best English left-back in the Premier League, popularly known as a solid fullback and a free-kick master.

He ended up making a total of 420 appearances and scored 39 goals, as well as awarded Everton Player of the Year on three occasions.

He was also capped 30 times by England, including the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Baines had been expected to sign a new one-year contract, but Everton announced immediately after the final Premier League game that he had retired.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti also seemed to suggest the former England defender may have a role at the club, after becoming a back-up player for the past two seasons.

“Leighton Baines has taken this decision to stop playing, every Evertonian must be grateful to him, he is a fantastic example and had a great career,” Ancelotti said.

“We want to keep him at the club, his knowledge is really important.”