‘A right foot and a left wand’: Tributes paid to Andy Reid as he announces retirement
Andy Reid has announced his retirement from football.
The former Ireland international ends his career at Nottingham Forest after failing to recover from long-term injury problems.
The midfielder, famed for his lethal left foot, made 29 appearances as a senior Irish international since his debut in 2003 but fell out of favour, most notably during the Giovanni Trapattoni era.
In a statement today, the 34-year-old described the frustration he suffered with injuries over the years but says he has no regrets.
"I have no regrets and I know I did positive things for every team I played for," Reid told the Nottingham Post.
"I'm just really, really disappointed that I couldn't finish on a high, maybe with a promotion for Forest. There isn't always a happy ending though.”
Raid spent the first five years of his professional career with Nottingham Forest, from 2000 to 2005. He then had spells with Tottenham, Charlton Athletic, Sunderland, Sheffield United and Blackpool, before returning to his first club for a second spell in July 2011.
"I think my fairytale in football is the fact that I've had a long and, in my opinion, good, career. I'm very, very grateful for that. I've had some wonderful experiences, played in some big games, for some big clubs, and I've enjoyed every minute of it."
Tributes have poured in for the likeable midfielder.
Such a shame injury has got the better of Andy Reid. Lovely foootballer. If you doubt how hard he's worked to get fit, you're a moron #NFFC
— Andrew Chester (@Andrew_Chester) July 29, 2016
Real shame to hear Andy Reid's had to retire! Lovely guy and always a pleasure to interview. Wish him all the best #nffc
— Kirsty Edwards (@KirstyEdwards3) July 29, 2016
