Aberdeen captain Paul Hartley has confirmed his retirement at the age of 34 after he decided his body was no longer capable of playing at the highest level.
Hartley, a former Celtic and Scotland midfielder had a year left to run on his contract. He has not played in recent weeks because of a knee injury - and his 27-minute appearance in a 2-1 win over St Mirren on March 16 will prove to be his final match in a career that also saw him play for Hamilton, Raith Rovers, Millwall, Hibernian, St Johnstone, Hearts and Bristol City.
Hartley told the Daily Record: ''I feel the time is right to stop being a footballer. My body just doesn't have the energy or power as it used to.
''I didn't want to reach a stage where I might embarrass myself on the pitch. I've too much professional pride. It would also have been unfair on my team-mates and Aberdeen supporters.''
Hartley, a former Celtic and Scotland midfielder had a year left to run on his contract. He has not played in recent weeks because of a knee injury - and his 27-minute appearance in a 2-1 win over St Mirren on March 16 will prove to be his final match in a career that also saw him play for Hamilton, Raith Rovers, Millwall, Hibernian, St Johnstone, Hearts and Bristol City.
Hartley told the Daily Record: ''I feel the time is right to stop being a footballer. My body just doesn't have the energy or power as it used to.
''I didn't want to reach a stage where I might embarrass myself on the pitch. I've too much professional pride. It would also have been unfair on my team-mates and Aberdeen supporters.''
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