DAMIEN DELANEY HAS announced his retirement from professional football.
The 37-year-old defender brings his career to a conclusion following a short stint in the SSE Airtricity League.
Delaney embarked on a second spell with hometown club Cork City in July 2018, before moving to neighbours Waterford — where he was club captain — in January.
In a short statement on Twitter, the nine-cap Republic of Ireland senior international said he’s stepping aside to allow more opportunities for Waterford’s younger players.
“There’s players there with fantastic potential who need to play to develop,” he tweeted. “I don’t want to hinder that development so the time has come. Thanks to everyone for giving me the opportunity.”
Delaney added: “So that’s me officially retired. Thanks to everyone who’s played a part in helping me live out my dreams. It’s been amazing.”
After coming through the ranks in Cork, Delaney was signed by Leicester City in 2000. He went on to represent several clubs in England and made 138 appearances in the Premier League for Leicester and Crystal Palace.
“I want to thank Damien for everything he’s done at the club this season since he joined,” said Waterford manager Alan Reynolds. “He’s been great helping the younger players and a great guy to have around the squad. His experience has helped the whole squad and I’m grateful for him coming down to play for the club.
“Everyone at Waterford FC wishes him all the best for the future.”
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Keeping down the wage bill , he wasn’t getting near the team and they are trying a different approach imo
@Tricksy: haha what approach?
Other than CR7 who have united made money on.
They give away their players for virtually nothing
@Mark Smith: Danny Welbeck.
@Aimoo:
They stole £15m off Arsenal for him. To think they only paid them £20m for Van Persie.
@Mark Smith: every youth team player they’ve ever sold. Think you’ll find thsts quite a few too.
@Mark Smith: there are plenty, Beckham, van Nist, Heinze , Hernandez to name a few more
How can they only get 1.5 million for him? He’s a good player …. gotta be worth 15/20 million United and In fact all other English teams always get shafted when the European clubs buy their players.
@Davedental: lol
I heard a man on a phone in radio show blaming Brexit for this very reason
@Davedental: last year of his contract, its know hes not wanted in the squad and the player himself was on wages that mean United save about 3million alone in them plus the extra 1.5 , overall the best move for all involved
Bahahahahaha Manchester United