Winterburn calls time

Winterburn was released by West Ham at the end of last season

Veteran defender Nigel Winterburn has announced his retirement.

The 39-year-old left-back has decided to quit after 17 years of top-flight football with Wimbledon, Arsenal and West Ham and is hoping to start a new career in the media.

Winterburn's most successful years were spent at Highbury, where he was part of the famously stingy Arsenal back four that claimed league titles in 1989, 1991 and 1998 and a host of cup successes.

His last club as a player was West Ham, who were relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership at the end of the season, and who subsequently released him.

"At 39 I don't think I'm capable of playing in the Premier League any longer. I always said I would like to finish at the top," Winterburn told Sky Sports News.

He added that his father's death earlier this year had played a part in his decision to retire.

"I said to my agent he could have a look around for me and see if any clubs were interested.

"But the longer it went on and the more I thought about it, it occurred to me that maybe it's time for me to give something back to my family."

Winterburn said winning his first league title in 1989 with a famous victory against Liverpool at Anfield was his proudest moment as a player.

"You just have to move on and accept your time is up. It's difficult to accept for a while, but other people have done it and I'm sure I will cope," he said.

"I would like to try and do a bit of a media work, but I will just wait and see if any offers come in and spend some time with my family."

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