Ex-Stoke City defender who ‘delighted’ Michael O’Neill announces his retirement
The latest Stoke City news from STokeOnTrentLive as this former Potters defender has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season
Former Stoke City and Wales defender James Chester has announced his retirement from football.
The 36-year-old, who hangs his boots up as a Salford player, started out with Manchester United but made only one appearance for the club.
He went on to play for Hull, West Brom, Aston Villa and Stoke and won 35 caps for Wales, playing in all six games as Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Chester, who had made just two appearances for Salford this season back in August, wrote on Instagram: “After 18 years as a professional footballer and over 500 games, the time has come for me to announce my retirement.
“It’s been an incredible journey, filled with unforgettable moments, amazing team-mates, fantastic staff, and unwavering support at every club I’ve played for.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve achieved in the game, and now I’m excited to see what my life brings next.
“I’ll remain part of the Salford City squad until the end of the season, where I’ll continue learning about the other aspects of football. Thank you all for everything.”
Chester spent four seasons at Villa Park, having joined the club from Albion for a reported £8million in August 2016, when the club were in the Championship.
He was an important player under Steve Bruce for the first couple of seasons, played 28 times in the promotion year but once Villa regained their Premier League status he was loaned to Stoke City.
Having dropped down the pecking order under Dean Smith, Michael O’Neill offered him the prospect of first team football to boost his Euro 2020 chances as the Potters pulled off something of a coup to land him on loan for the remainder of that campaign.
He earned a one-year deal in August 2020, after O’Neill proclaimed himself ‘delighted’ with the veteran’s performances and helped them finish 14th before playing only 17 Championship games the following campaign and being released in the summer of 2022. In all he played 71 times for Stoke.
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