Conor Coady announces retirement as Jack Grealish pays tribute to ex-Liverpool and Everton star

The 33-year-old defender, who played for Liverpool, Everton, Wolves and England, has ended his career after leaving Wrexham in August.

Conor Coady has announced his retirement from professional football at 33, ending a career that spanned eight clubs and 503 appearances. The England international started at his boyhood club Liverpool before establishing himself at Wolves, where he spent eight years and helped the club return to the Premier League. He also had spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Everton, Leicester, Wrexham and Charlton, earning 10 caps for his country and appearing at a World Cup and Euros.

Coady confirmed the decision in an Instagram video, citing the difficulty of reduced playing time in recent years and a desire to spend more time with his family. He paid tribute to the clubs and people who shaped his career, particularly Wolves, which he described as "the place that made me a man" and "home." He also thanked his wife Amie and four sons for their support throughout his playing days.

Former and current teammates including Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Shane Duffy paid tribute to Coady on social media. He is now working as an assistant coach with the England Under-21s alongside Lee Carsley.