Ashley Young sends ‘end of an era’ message after retirement announcement made
Veteran full-back Ashley Young has posted an emotional message on social media after a retirement from football was confirmed.
Young has been a Premier League regular for close to 20 years now, having come through Watford’s youth ranks to make his senior professional debut back in 2003.
He has racked up over 480 appearances in the top-flight, and was most recently with Everton after a 2023 move there from Aston Villa.
Football Insider revealed in May that David Moyes did not see 39-year-old Young as part of his plans for next season, with his contract set to expire this summer.
The former England international is now set to officially leave the Toffees at the end of his current deal next week, and Young posted a heartfelt message to Everton fans last month upon news of his impending exit.
Young sends message as Adam Lallana bows out
Young recently told talkSPORT that he has no plans to retire just yet, despite turning 40 next month, but the same cannot be said for one of his fellow Premier League golden oldies.
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana announced his retirement from his playing days on Wednesday (June 25) with a message on Instagram, saying: “As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way…To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters — thank you.”
The 37-year-old midfielder never shared a club dressing room with Young, but the two did play together for England and were a part of a number of the same camps with the national team.
Young took to Instagram with a picture of the pair playing against each other for Man United and Liverpool following the announcement to wish his compatriot the best of luck in the future, saying: “End Of An Era…but What A Career Mate! All the best in your next chapter…Loved the battles” with a laughing emoji.
Young still has something to offer the Premier League despite age
Football Insider verdict
Lallana will be another in a long list of players that 39-year-old Young has seen come and go in football, with very few left playing at the top level from the years he spent in his peak with Aston Villa and United.
Despite his age, Young has shown that he can still be vital member of a decent Premier League side in his two previous seasons on Merseyside, with over 30 appearances made in each campaign.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 485 | 49 | 73 |
The versatile full-back told talkSPORT recently that he feels “as fit as I have done for years,” and so it is clear that he plans on prolonging his stay in the Premier League, despite his son Tyler being on the opposite side in a January FA Cup clash for Everton against Peterborough United.
Young would undoubtedly be a solid option to sign for any bottom-half side that needs a lot of experience and nous to guide their younger players next season, as well as a dependable player who can still chip in with goals and assists when needed.