Experienced midfielder Tom Cleverley has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33, with the Englishman unable to overcome his injury problems.
Cleverley only featured on four occasions in the Championship for Watford last season, initially struggling with an Achilles tendon issue before suffering a thigh problem in February.
The midfielder's contract with the Hornets has now officially expired, and he has now announced that he will be retiring from professional football.
"Watford FC confirms that club captain Tom Cleverley is retiring from football as a result of injury. However, some exciting news will soon be announced jointly by the club and Tom," read a statement on Watford's official website.
Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury added: "No one could have worked harder than Tom did to make it back from several injuries, which he's tried to do while always providing a positive force around the players.
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"I can't speak highly enough about Tom as a person, a player and our captain. Tom is the type of professional all clubs would be delighted to have in their team.
"The year's loan at the club before he joined again in January 2017 really helped him settle quickly into being a senior player with us, and his experience has proved invaluable over these past six years."
Cleverley made the move to Watford in 2017, and he represented the Hornets on 181 occasions in all competitions, contributing 19 goals and 15 assists in the process.
The midfielder came through the youth system at Manchester United, turning out for the Red Devils 79 times, scoring five goals and registering five assists, winning the Premier League in the process.
Cleverley also represented Everton, in addition to enjoying loan spells at Leicester City, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa, while he was capped on 13 occasions by England.
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"Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player,'' Cleverley wrote on Instagram. "The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury. Unfortunately my body has failed me and just hasn't got the capacity to perform anymore.
"I haven't done much reflection just yet, but I'm trying to focus on a positive future and I'm excited about what that's going to bring. I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England.'
"Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson.
"The people and the club that gave me the foundations as a player and person and also the club that made my dreams come true. To come through the academy and represent the first team gives me immense pride."
Cleverley finishes his career with a total of 242 Premier League appearances, while he also featured on nine occasions for Man United in the Champions League.
Matt Law
