Premier League legend Aaron Lennon announced his retirement from football earlier on Tuesday, 15 November.
The ex-Tottenham winger took to Twitter in an emotional message, in which he said: “I’ve finally decided that the time is right to hang my boots up, having weighed up my options I didn’t feel any were right for me and my young family.”
Lennon went on to say: “I loved every minute of it! Football means so much to me and always will do. I don’t think I even realised how much until I started considering this retirement, it has been everything and more.”
The 35-year-old played for several clubs during his lengthy career as a footballer, which spanned over 19 years, and he will be missed by many fans, not just in England, but across the globe.
Aaron Lennon Retires From Football
— Aaron Lennon (@AaronLennon12) November 15, 2022
Aaron Lennon Retires: His Football Journey
The winger’s professional career began nineteen years ago, making his senior debut in the Premier League for Leeds United in 2003, at just sixteen years of age – making the Englishman the youngest ever player to feature in the competition at the time.
Impressive displays at The Whites saw Lennon earn a move to Tottenham Hotspur, a club at which he would become iconic, making 364 appearances for the side across all competitions. However, after a lengthy spell at the North London club, lasting 10 years, Lennon made the switch to Premier League rivals Everton.
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His spell at The Toffees was not as successful, and he was sold to Burnley just three later, before making the surprise move to Turkish outfit Kayserispor on a free transfer. He stayed at the club for a single season before making a U-turn and returning to Burnley, also on a free transfer.
His Best Moments
Lennon had a stellar Premier League career, with plenty of moments that many players go a lifetime without achieving. The first of which came on his debut, when aged just sixteen, he became the youngest ever player to appear in the Premier League at that time.
Another proud occasion for the Englishman came just three years later in June 2006 when, following a successful first season at his new club Tottenham, Lennon made his debut for the England national team and went on to achieve a total of 21 caps for his country.
Then, in the 2007/08 campaign, he played a huge role in Tottenham’s 2-1 triumph over Chelsea in the English League Cup final – helping Spurs win their first major trophy in nine years.
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With his impressive blend of pace, technique and clever skill, Aaron Lennon was one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League throughout his career, and his retirement will be felt by fans everywhere.
Aaron Lennon, 35, has ended his football career.
🏴 Leeds United (2003-05)
🏴 Tottenham (2005-15)
🏴 Everton (2015-18)
🏴 Burnley (2018-20)
🇹🇷 Kayserispor (2020-21)
🏴 Burnley (2021-22) pic.twitter.com/t9Rqnn6n7S— De Marke Sports (@demarkesports) November 15, 2022
