Seaman quits football

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Manchester City goalkeeper David Seaman has announced his retirement from football.

The former England international's decision came shortly after City revealed they had agreed a £2m deal for West Ham's David James.

Seaman, 40, joined City last summer, signing a one-year deal with the club, after having spent 13 years at Arsenal.

The goalkeeper won the last of his 75 international caps against Macedonia back in October 2002.

Seaman said he had advised City manager Kevin Keegan to sign James, who succeeded him in the England team.

The veteran keeper has suffered a recurring shoulder problem and was substituted after 13 minutes of Manchester City's Barclaycard Premiership defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday.

"I have reached this difficult decision after much discussion with my family and those in the game whose views I respect," he said.

He's been a great servant to English football and a fantastic role model...all the best, David From VJR Have your say on 606

"It has become clear to me that this type of injury will not quickly disappear - and I think now would be a good time to hang up my boots, rather than at the end of the season as planned."

Kevin Keegan added: "This has been a difficult decision for David - but I fully respect it.

"It says a lot about the man that he has been incredibly helpful to us as a club in finding a successor at such a testing personal time for him.

"His record is incredible and his achievements unbelievable but most importantly I will remember him as an ultimate professional who cared about others."

Seaman played over 1,000 club and international matches and was awarded the MBE in 1996, the year he emerged as a hero for his penalty saves - most notably against Scotland and then Spain in a memorable shoot-out during the European Championship.

His last game for Arsenal was May's FA Cup final when Arsene Wenger's side beat Southampton 1-0 with Seaman - captain for the day - making a stunning save in the match's closing stages.

During his time with Arsenal, he won three titles, as well as three FA Cups, one Coca-Cola Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup.

But his career had its low moments notably when he was lobbed from just inside his half by Nayim in the Cup Winners' Cup final of 1995.

He suffered similar embarrassment during the 2002 World Cup when he allowed a Ronaldinho free-kick to drift over him as England slipped out of the finals after losing 2-1 to Brazil.

This year also saw Seaman launch a television career by becoming a panellist on the sports quiz show "They Think It's All Over".