Reading's Wayne Bridge has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 33-year old defender has decided to call time on a career which started at Southampton back in 1998 and has seen him play for such clubs as Chelsea, Fulham, Manchester City, West Ham United, Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Bridge, who joined the Royals from Brighton last summer, revealed that a knee injury had got the better of him and he felt it best to pull the curtain on a successful career.
"After an operation on my knee in November 2013, I've been struggling to train and play without constant pain," he said.
"I've been advised by my specialist that my knee needs medium to long-term rest. On this advice, and following discussions with close friends and family, I've made the reluctant decision to retire.
"Representing my country was my proudest moment. I've had a great career and I look forward to my next chapter."
Left-back Bridge played 33 times for England for whom he was a part of two World Cup squads and also won the Premier League (2004/05), FA Cup (2007) and League Cup (2007) while at Chelsea.
