Thompson finishes playing career

Leeds United club captain Alan Thompson has announced his immediate retirement after 17 years as a professional.

The 34-year-old made 26 appearances for the club since moving to Elland Road in January 2007, and scored four goals.

He was capped once by England, and also played for Newcastle, Bolton, Aston Villa and Celtic before joining Leeds.

"I've had a good career but I've decided to call it a day. I'll take a bit of time out but I'd like to stay in the game," he told Leeds' website.

"The high point was playing for England [against Sweden in 2004] but I've got plenty of good memories."

"It was disappointing to finish on a low at Wembley on Sunday"
Alan Thompson

He scored twice for Leeds this season, and also had a loan spell at Hartlepool.

After a spell injured on the sidelines, Thompson was back in the Leeds squad for Sunday's League One play-off final defeat to Doncaster but he did not feature.

Commenting on his time at Leeds, Thompson added: "It's been enjoyable. I had hoped to have played more of a part and it was disappointing to finish on a low at Wembley on Sunday."

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