Lee Grant has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39 years-old.
Grant began his career at Watford but failed to make a single first-team appearance and went on to enjoy two spells at Derby County between 2000-07 and 2013-17, whilst he also enjoyed double stints at Burnley and Stoke City.
The 39 year-old has also played for Oldham, Sheffield Wednesday and eventually Manchester United from 2018, where he made just two cup appearances for the Red Devils as third-choice goalkeeper which brought his career total to 511 appearances.
Speaking about his decision to hang up his boots, Grant commented: “After 511 appearances, I’ve decided it’s the right time to move into the next stage of my career.
“There have been so many fun moments mixed in with the odd challenge, but I’m grateful for each and every one.
Addressing Utd supporters, Grant admitted that he holds “great pride and emotion” at having played for his boyhood club, whilst also feeling “grateful for the lessons learned” during his time at Old Trafford after believing that ambition was beyond his reach.
Reflecting on his impact at Utd despite making only two first-team appearances, Grant admitted that he believes he has “given everything to the group every single day on the training pitch and in the dressing room.”
Grant also praised the club for providing him with new ambitions as he now considers a coaching career as he continued: “The opportunity to challenge, set standards and ultimately learn from some truly exceptional players and staff has been so valuable.”
The Hemel Hempstead born goalkeeper also described himself as “fortunate” to have played for each of his previous clubs throughout his playing career, as he iterated that he is “thankful to each and every club for what they have given to me, each one has shaped me into who I am.”
Grant concluded by thanking his family and his wife – Helen for their commitment throughout his career as he said: “There are too many incredible football people to thank as I’ve received untold amounts of help from so many special people over the last 23 years.
“I do however want to say a huge thank you to my family and in particular my wife, Helen, for moving around the country with me, allowing me to pursue my dream.
“Football has given me so much, but it can also be tough on partners and children. Without them it would never have been possible to achieve what I did.”