Thursday, December 19, 2024

Former Ireland star Aiden McGeady calls time on football career at 38

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Former Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has retired from football aged 38.

The Glasgow-born star joined Celtic’s academy as a teenager and went on to make 185 appearances for the Bhoys, winning seven major trophies including four league titles along the way.

He moved to join Spartak Moscow in 2010 and spent four years in the Russian capital before returning to the UK to sign for Everton in 2014.

Aiden McGeady in action for Celtic against Gennaro Gattuso of AC Milan in the Champions League in 2007. Pic: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

Three years with the Toffees was followed by a challenging five-year spell with Sunderland, during which he went out on loan to Charlton Athletic in 2020 before the Black Cats released him two years later.

He ventured back to Scotland in 2022 and played a season at Hibs before finishing up with Scottish Premiership side Ayr.

McGeady debuted for Ireland against Jamaica under Brian Kerr in 2004 and went on to win 93 caps in all.

Aiden McGeady featured for Hibernian after returning to Scotland from Sunderland in 2022. Pic: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images
Aiden McGeady featured for Hibernian after returning to Scotland from Sunderland in 2022. Pic: Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images

He scored five goals for his country and was part of the squad who competed at Euro 2016.

Confirming his retirement, McGeady said: ‘Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of.

‘I truly lived that dream every day on the pitch. I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process.

Aiden McGeady made 93 appearances in an Ireland jersey between 2004 and 2017. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Aiden McGeady made 93 appearances in an Ireland jersey between 2004 and 2017. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

‘I have made lifelong friends in football, played with some world class team mates along the way.

I’d like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.

‘An extra special thank you to my loving family, friends, and advisers who have been with me on this journey every step of the way.”To the fans and everyone who played a part in my footballing story, I won’t forget you.

‘This part of my journey may be at the end, but I’m looking forward to the future. Thank you football.’

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