Jon Flanagan made 51 appearances for Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool, Rangers and England defender Jon Flanagan has retired from professional football after failing to recover from knee surgery.
The full-back was most recently playing for HB Koge in Denmark, but that will be his last club after knee surgery ended his playing days.
Flanagan made over 50 appearances for Liverpool, earning one England cap in 2014, before loan spells at Burnley and Bolton and a permanent move to Rangers.
‘Unfortunately after careful consideration I have made the toughest decision l’ve ever had to make; to retire from professional football,’ Flanagan posted in a statement on Twitter.
‘The last 14 months I have tried everything possible to recover from my most recent knee surgery.
‘Ultimately my long-term health has to come first. So following medical advice the right thing for me to do now is retire from the game.
‘My dream as a boy was to grow up and play football for a living and today I’m so proud to say I lived that dream.
Jon Flanagan picked up one England cap against Ecuador in 2014 (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Not only playing [for] and captaining my boyhood club Liverpool but also making an appearance for my country, those memories created will last a lifetime and I’m so grateful that I have had the experience that most others can only wish for.
‘I would like to thank everyone for their support over my journey, especially my girlfriend, family, friends, team-mates coaches and agents. I feel very fortunate to have you all in my life,’ he continued.
‘Also, a massive thank you to the fans of Liverpool, Glasgow Rangers, Burnley, Bolton, Charleroi and HB Koge who have supported me throughout.
‘You have been great and have made my journey an unforgettable one!
‘I will now begin the next chapter of my football journey and I’m excited about what the future brings.’
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‘Ultimately my long-term health has to come first.’