Cox offered job at Premier club

Cox has played in over 500 professional games (Getty)

Crewe's Neil Cox has been offered a job with a Premier League club following his decision to retire as a player.

The 36-year-old defender will play the final game of his 18-year career against Oldham on Saturday.

"A decent Premier League club has come in with the offer to do a few things for them. It was a bit of a shock," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was nice to get the phone call, but I've told them that I need a break to relax and spend time with the family."

Crewe need a point from Saturday's home match with Oldham to secure their League One status, and Cox says that is much more important than his retirement.

"We need to get a result on Saturday, that's all that I'm thinking of," he said. "Maybe after the game I'll take a look back over the last 20 years.

Football has taken me to places in the world that some people can only dream of Retiring defender Neil Cox

"The most important thing is that we get the right result and stay in this league."

Cox has played in all four divisions during a career that has seen him turn out for Scunthorpe, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Watford and Cardiff.

"I've had a lot of high points, some disappointments but that's what football is all about," added Cox.

"Football has taken me to places in the world that some people can only dream of, I've met some great people and done some brilliant things. I've played at the top level and really enjoyed it."