FORMER Celtic and Republic of Ireland star Aiden McGeady has quit playing at the age of 38.
The international forward decided to hang up his boots only a fortnight after leaving Ayr United and bring an end to a career that spanned two decades.
McGeady said: “After much thought and consideration, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from professional football.
“Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of. I truly lived that dream every day on the pitch.
“There are so many memories, too many to mention, but getting to pull on the famous green and white Celtic jersey, the team I supported, was extremely special.
DERBY DELIGHT…Aiden McGeady races away in triumph after netting against Rangers while a stunned Davie Weir looks on.
“Playing in the Champions League and individual honours I received there in front of those amazing fans are some of the most memorable moments of my life.”
McGeady, speaking in a prepared statement, continued: “I’ve been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in England, Scotland, Russia, brilliant memories at the best clubs.
“I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process. I have made lifelong friends in football, played with some world class team mates along the way.
“I’d like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.”
The Glaswegian added: “An extra special thank you to my loving family, friends, and advisers who have been with me on this journey every step of the way.
“To the fans and everyone who played a part in my footballing story, I won’t forget you.
“This part of my journey may be at the end, but I’m looking forward to the future.
“Thank you, football.”
CUP THAT CHEERS…a joyful Aiden McGeady and Scott McDonald celebrate Celtic’s 2-0 League Cup final win over Rangers at Hampden in 2009.
McGeady made his Hoops debut as an 18-year old winger in 2004 and went on to make more than 250 appearances in all competitions, scoring 37 goals.
He played his part in the Parkhead club winning four successive titles plus two Scottish Cups and a League.
In 2010, McGeady left his boyhood favourites in a £9.5million switch to Spartak Moscow where he spent four years before returning to the UK with Everton.
Two years later, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday on a loan deal before signing for Preston the following season.
In July 2017, he was on his travels again when he joined Sunderland and then it was on to Hibs in 2022.
McGeady endured an injury-stricken stay at Easter Road and was released after just one season.
He joined Championship side Ayr United in a combined player/technical manager role last year, but departed Somerset Park just two weeks ago with one-time Hoops team-mate Scott Brown, the club’s manager, announcing he had left by “mutual consent”.
McGeady won 93 caps for the his adopted nation and played at the Euro Finals in 2012 and 2016.