Former Manchester United defender and England international, Ashley Young has announced his retirement from football at the age of 40. Young, who started his career at Watford in 2003, will end it at Ipswich Town, joining the club on a one-year deal in July 2025.
Young also made his England debut in November 2007 and won 39 caps for the national team, scoring seven goals.
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“It’s been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy,” Young wrote on Instagram. “But with this dream there has to be an ending and Saturday might be the last game of my professional career … 23 years and OUT.”
A brief look at Ashley Young’s incredible career
Ashley Young started his professional career when he made his debut for Watford in 2003. He won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2009. His success at Watford attracted interests from then-Manchester United manager Alex Fergusson who signed him in a £17 million deal.
Young went on to make 261 appearances for United, winning the the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup. He also captained the team from 2019-2020.
Since leaving United, Young has played for for Inter Milan, Aston Villa, Everton and Ipswich. However, he has made just 13 appearances for Ipswich this season due to injuries, 10 of which were from the bench. His last appearance for the Tractor Boys was on January 20, when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 win against Bristol City.
Meanwhile, Ipswich, currently managed by former Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna, can seal a return to the Premier League if they beat Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. The Tractor Boys currently sit second in the Championship, with one point over third-placed Millwall and two points above Middlesbrough, who are in fourth.
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