Adam Lallana retires from football aged 37

Former England and Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana has called time on his playing career at the age of 37.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Lallana, who earned 34 caps for his country, returned to Southampton last season on a free transfer, making 17 appearances in all competitions.

The midfielder came through Southampton's academy before making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in 2006.

He went on to feature more than 250 times for the Saints and was part of the squad that won back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Lallana was captain when he left for Anfield in 2014 in a £25 million move, during a summer in which he also represented England at the World Cup in Brazil.

However, his time on Merseyside was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 178 appearances over six years. Despite the setbacks, he won both the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool before joining Brighton in the summer of 2020.

After four years in Sussex, Lallana returned to St Mary's before bringing an end to his football career.

Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images

In total, Lallana made 571 career appearances, scoring 86 goals and providing 73 assists.

"I'm proud of the playing career I've had and have no regrets about any of it," Lallana said

"I embrace all the highs and all the lows, as they've shaped me into who I am. To everyone who made the journey so special — the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters — thank you.

"But most of all, to my own team... my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad, and sister — thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.

"I'm excited for whatever the future brings."