Former Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33 due to injury. Cleverley spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Villa from Manchester United. He made 37 appearances for the club in all competitions and scored three goals. Having started out at United, he also spent time on loan at Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic before joining Everton on a permanent deal. Cleverley later returned to Watford, where he spent the final six years of his career.
A Premier League winner at Old Trafford, he made nearly 400 senior club appearances and earned 13 caps for England. He also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Confirming that he was hanging up his boots,
Tom Cleverley posted on social media: “Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player. The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury. Unfortunately my body has failed me and just hasn’t got the capacity to perform anymore. I haven’t done much reflection just yet, but I’m trying to focus on a positive future and I’m excited about what that’s going to bring. I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England. Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson. The people and the club that gave me the foundations as a player and person and also the club that made my dreams come true. To come through the academy and represent the first team gives me immense pride. To all those involved with Watford Football Club. I have the privilege of calling this club home. To captain this club has been an honour and the staff, players and fans will forever be in my heart. The love you have shown me as a young loanee up to the moment I retire as a grown man I can never repay. Finally the love and support of my wife, children, mum, dad and agent. I know it hasn’t been easy on you guys at times but none of this would have been possible without you.”
Watford chairman
Scott Duxbury added: “No one could have worked harder than Tom did to make it back from several injuries, which he’s tried to do while always providing a positive force around the players. I can’t speak highly enough about Tom as a person, a player and our captain. Tom is the type of professional all clubs would be delighted to have in their team. The year’s loan at the club before he joined again in January 2017 really helped him settle quickly into being a senior player with us, and his experience has proved invaluable over these past six years.”
In a statement, Watford also teased that “some exciting news will soon be announced jointly by the club and Tom”.
