Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 36.
The ex-England international played for Southampton, Liverpool, and Brighton, winning both the Premier League and Champions League during his six years at Anfield. He ended his playing career this season at Southampton, where it all began.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Lallana paid tribute to the clubs he represented, the people who supported him, and his family.
“As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way.
AdvertisementYou owe so much to so many on a journey like this — it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am. I couldn’t have done it without you. It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999.
Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.
AdvertisementSouthampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends. It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.
Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.
Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.
AdvertisementAnd England… every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour.
I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it. I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.
AdvertisementTo everyone who made the journey so special – the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters – thank you.
But most of all, to my own team… my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all. I’m excited for whatever the future brings.”
Lallana made 178 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 22 goals. He was a key figure under Jürgen Klopp, especially during the 2016 to 2019 period, and was part of the team that won the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League title.
He returned to Southampton in the 2023/24 season and was later named interim assistant manager during their promotion run from the Championship.
It’s expected that Lallana will now begin his coaching career, with reports suggesting he could join Will Still’s new backroom staff at St Mary’s as assistant coach.
