Scott Parker retires aged 36 after 20 years as a pro
Former England midfielder played for Charlton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham Spurs and Fulham in amazing career
SCOTT PARKER has finally called time on his playing career after 20 years.
The former England midfielder, 36, has ended a four-year spell at Fulham to hang up his boots.
Parker is now expected to make his way into management, having previously said it's his "dream" to coach.
In a statement Parker said: "The decision to retire has not been an easy one for me but having thought long and hard over it, and having discussed it with those closest to me, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career.
"When I started my career at Charlton Athletic all those years ago I could only have dreamt at that time just what was to follow over the next two decades.
"I feel incredibly honoured and proud to have enjoyed the career that I have and I've loved every moment of it.
"When I was a boy I dreamt of becoming a professional football player and I feel very honoured to have accomplished my dream.
"I have always tried to set high standards on and off the pitch. I hope most of all throughout my career I have been a good role model not only to my sons but also to all of my teammates who played with me as well as all those who supported me.
"I'm now looking forward to the next chapter of my life and career and hope to make an announcement soon with regards to what that will be."
Parker first came to the nation's attention as a 13-year-old in a McDonald's ad ahead of the 1994 World Cup.
The floppy-haired youngster was seen doing keep-up's in his garden before 'Jimmy' was called away for a trip to the fast-food joint.
Already on the books of Charlton, he made his debut for the south London club aged 17 before winning his first England cap in the penultimate season of an eight-year stint.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Renowned for his tough tackling and deadly strikes from distance, bigger clubs circled.
And as the money began to pour into Stamford Bridge, Parker joined Chelsea in a £10million move but found his chances limited in competition for places with the likes of Frank Lampard.
Parker added to his old First Division winners' medal from Charlton's 199-2000 season with a League Cup gong at Blues, but was shipped on to Newcastle after two seasons with the Blues.
Two solid seasons with Toon followed after a £6.5m move, before he went to West Ham for £7m.
Widely regarded as a brilliant pro with top-notch passing ability, Spurs stepped in to take Parker for £5.5m in 2011.
The previous season he was named FWA Play of the Year and he followed it up by being named England's Player of the Year for his displays in qualifiers for Euro 2012.
By now Parker had also become the first player to win Three Lions caps at FOUR different clubs, going on to play all four of England's games at that European Championships.
He moved on to Fulham for the 2013-14 season but could not save the Cottagers from relegation.
Parker played three more seasons in the Championship, helping add experience to a team that including precocious talents like Ryan Sessegnon.