Conor Coady has announced his retirement at the age of 33, with Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire among those to pay tribute to the Liverpool academy graduate

Former Liverpool defender Conor Coady has confirmed his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.

The England international began his career at boyhood club Liverpool, featuring twice for the first team at Anfield, before establishing an impressive career that included a loan spell with Everton, captaining Wolves' return to the Premier League and earning 10 senior caps for his nation, featuring at the World Cup and Euros.

The 33 year old has been unattached since departing Wrexham in August and is currently working as assistant coach to Lee Carsley with the England Under-21s setup, while also fulfilling punditry duties. He announced his retirement in an emotional video on social media.

Coady said: "So where do I start? From being a young boy at Rainford Rangers, to living every young lad's dream and playing at the highest level. Eight clubs, 503 appearances, two promotions, a World Cup and a Euros. Ten England caps.

"Football is my life. It always has been. But everything at some point always comes to an end. I never, ever thought playing for Wolves in Europe or going with England to a World Cup this day would come.

"But honestly, the last couple of years have been tough. Not playing as much as I would have liked I have struggled with, as I live for playing footie.

"Coming through at my boyhood club and putting the red shirt on was one of the proudest days as no one could ever take that away from me.

"Sheffield United and Huddersfield were perfect clubs for me and made me grow. Then came Wolves, the place I needed and the place that made me a man. Eight of the best years, with the best people in a city that made me their own.

"My kids were born in old gold and you made Amie truly enjoy football. For that it will always be home. Then came Everton, when Frank (Lampard) gave me the opportunity to play for your great football club. The Bournemouth game, when you dragged us over the line, when we were on the floor. I'm very proud to say I played at Goodison.

"On to Leicester, then Wrexham, which were tough at times but filled with amazing people and supporters who care deeply about their club. Then Charlton, who put a smile back on my face. The truth is I'm ready now. I've given football everything and I will continue to do so in my next chapter. But it's time for my incredible wife Amie, and four boys, to enjoy seeing daddy a little bit more.

"And my four boys; Henry, Freddie, Louis and Jesse. To say you've seen me play football and be there during my career, the memories we can talk about forever.

"Mum, dad and my brother Harrison. I can't thank you enough for all the sacrifices you made, and helping me live out my dream. And onto James. You're not just an agent, but you're a friend. You've helped me throughout my career and I can't wait to see what the next few years in store for us.

"Thank you to all the fans from every club I played for. With every shirt I put on, I gave it my all. It's been an honour to say I played this unbelievable game. Thank you for everything. Coads."

A host of football personalities took to the comments section of the video to honour Coady, who began his career as a midfielder before transitioning into a defensive role including Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire.