Former Manchester United ace Tom Cleverley announces retirement from football in emotional statement

Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been forced to retire at the age of 33.

The Watford captain issued a statement on Saturday lunchtime to reveal that he has been forced to hang up his boots because of injury. The Reds academy graduate missed almost all of last season because of an Achilles problem, being restricted to just four appearances.

He last appeared for Watford on February 11, stepping off the bench as a second half substitute during a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road. He joined the Hornets on a permanent deal in 2017 after two previous loan spells in Hertfordshire.

Cleverley made a total of 181 appearances for the Championship club across three spells, scoring 19 goals and registering 15 assists.

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Releasing a statement on his Instagram page, Cleverley, who joined United back in 2000 as an 11-year-old, said: "Today I am announcing my retirement from football as a player. The last year has been immensely difficult trying to overcome the obstacles of injury.

"Unfortunately, my body has failed me and just hasn't got the capacity to perform anymore. I haven't done much reflection just yet, but I'm trying to focus on a positive future and I'm excited about what that's going to bring.

"I would like to thank staff, teammates and fans at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, Everton and England. Special mentions must go to Manchester United, especially Paul McGuiness and Sir Alex Ferguson. The people and the club that gave me the foundations as a player and person and also the club that made my dreams come true. To come through the academy and represent the