Former England Winger Aaron Lennon Retires Aged 35

Former England winger Aaron Lennon has called time on his playing career at the age of 35.

Lennon played 21 times for the Three Lions between 2006 and 2013. He represented his country at two World Cups - in 2010 and 2006, when he was just 19.

Lennon started his career at Leeds United and became the youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut just 129 days after his 16th birthday in 2003.  That record has since been broken four times and is now held by 15-year-old Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri.

After making 43 first-team appearances for Leeds, Lennon moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.

He would spend the next 10 years at Spurs before later playing for Everton, Burnley and Turkish side Kayserispor.

Aaron Lennon pictured crossing the ball for England during a game against the USA at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

IMAGO/Allstar/Richard Selle

Lennon's only piece of major silverware was won in 2008 when he helped Tottenham beat Chelsea in the final of the EFL Cup at Wembley. His most famous goal is perhaps the stoppage-time equalizer he scored to earn Spurs a 4-4 draw at Arsenal in the same year.

Announcing his decision to retire, Lennon wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: "I have finally decided that the time is right to hang my boots up.

"Having weighed up my options, I didn't feel any were right for me and my young family. It has been a very tough decision as football has been my life since probably the age of three and the last 20 years playing professionally at the very top has been so amazing.

"I loved every minute of it! Football means so much to me and always will do. I don't think I even realised how much until I started considering this retirement, it has been everything and more.

"I just want to say a massive thank you to my loved ones, family and friends who have supported me all the way through this journey. My agent Leon and caabase who have also been right there from the start to this very day.

"All the players I've played with, it has been an absolute pleasure. The managers, coaching staff and all other members of staff who do all the hard work behind the scenes, some real amazing people at the clubs who I will thank personally and hopefully cross paths again in the future.

"And of course the amazing clubs and fans I got to play and represent, including my country. I loved each and every one of the clubs and fanbases and I know that doesn't happen for many players so I'm very grateful.

"Now I'm very excited for this next chapter in my life and spending a lot more time with my loved ones. There is so much I want to do and give back with all my experience and experiences on and off the pitch and will be doing so in the near future.

"Football world thank you from the bottom of my heart".