Birmingham City captain Carr announces retirement

Stephen Carr has retired from professional football, citing persistent knee problems as the main reason for his decision.

The former Republic of Ireland international – who lists Tottenham and Newcastle among his ex-clubs – made his professional debut for Spurs back in 1993 before going on to amass more than 400 senior appearances and 44 international caps.

Carr, 36, originally announced his retirement in 2008 when he was released by Newcastle, but went on to captain Birmingham, winning the Carling Cup before suffering relegation from the Premier League in the 2010-11 season.

He told Birmingham’s official website that his knee was getting to the stage where he could no longer continue playing.

“I am going on 37 and now is the time to bow out,” he said.

“I felt OK in pre-season but unfortunately my knee just crumbled away. It was unfortunate for me and the club. We knew there was a chance something could happen, but we didn’t think it would be that early. It just wasn’t meant to be in the end.

“The fans have been brilliant with me since I came in and I have had a great relationship with them.

“I will never forget that day lifting the cup. It was a big, big thing for me.”

The defender has undergone three operations on his knee problem in 18 months and leaves a Birmingham side who narrowly missed out on the Championship play-off places this season.