Grant announces retirement from professional football

Thursday 26 May 2022 12:00

Everyone at Manchester United would like to wish goalkeeper Lee Grant the best of luck for the future, as he announces his retirement from professional football.

The 39-year-old joined the Reds in 2018 having previously played for Derby County, Burnley, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City, tallying up over 500 appearances career appearances.

During his time at Old Trafford, Grant featured twice in competitive games for United, with his debut coming against former side Derby in the 2018/19 League Cup third round at Old Trafford. 

In the following season, he became the club’s most senior European debutant of all time, at the age of 36 years and 305 days, when he was named in the starting XI for a Europa League group-stage game away to Astana. 

Having been an experienced and valued presence in the United dressing room over the last four seasons, Lee has now taken the decision to hang up his gloves and look ahead to a new chapter in his career elsewhere, which he has previously expressed as a desire to be in coaching.
Grant: I'm proud of my United journey Video

Grant: I'm proud of my United journey

Lee reflects on his four years as a Red, and tells us what the future might hold for him...

He said: “After 511 appearances, I’ve decided it’s the right time to move into the next stage of my career.

“There have been so many fun moments mixed in with the odd challenge, but I’m grateful for each and every one.
“Fulfilling a boyhood dream of playing for Manchester United was something I thought was out of reach, so to have achieved that fills me with great pride and emotion!

“Although I haven’t played as many games in the last four years, I’ve given everything to the group every single day on the training pitch and in the dressing room. The opportunity to join the biggest club in the world was one I could never turn down and I’m so grateful for the lessons learned and the friends I’ve gained.

“The opportunity to challenge, set standards and ultimately learn from some truly exceptional players and staff has been so valuable.
Congratulations on a successful playing career, Lee.
“I’ve been extremely fortunate to play for some amazing clubs, Derby County, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Stoke City and now to finish at the pinnacle – Manchester United. I’m thankful to each and every club for what they have given to me, each one has shaped me into who I am. The relationship with the supporters of these great clubs will always be one of my most treasured memories.

“There are too many incredible football people to thank as I’ve received untold amounts of help from so many special people over the last 23 years. I do however want to say a huge thank you to my family and in particular my wife, Helen, for moving around the country with me, allowing me to pursue my dream. Football has given me so much, but it can also be tough on partners and children. Without them it would never have been possible to achieve what I did.

“As I move into the next stage of my career, I’m excited and hungry about the beginning of a new journey and the hard work that lies ahead!”

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