Ex Manchester United Midfielder Retires From Football: “My Body Has Failed Me”

• Tom Cleverley has retired from football at 33
• The midfielder recently played for Watford and said the reason for his retirement was injuries
• The 33-year won the 2013 Premier League title with Manchester United

Former Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has announced his shock retirement from football at 33 because of injuries. Cleverley last played for Watford in the Championship.

The 33-year-old made 79 appearances for the Red Devils and was part of the team that won the 2013 Premier League title, the club's last league title.

Cleverley graduated from United's academy but had spells on loan at Leicester, Wigan, Aston Villa, and Everton.

An Achilles tendon injury limited him to just four appearances in the Champi0onship last season. His campaign was hampered by another thigh issue in February. He made a total of 181 appearances for the Hornets, scoring 19 goals, per Transfermarkt.

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Cleverley joined United in 2000 at the age of 11 but left the club in 2015 after failing to cement a spot in the squad.

What Cleverley said

He took to Instagram to announce his retirement.

"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."

The Hornets confirmed his retirement via Twitter.

"Some exciting news will soon be announced jointly by the club and Tom."

Watford Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury lauded the midfielder.

“No one could have worked harder than Tom did to make it back from several injuries, which he’s tried to do while always providing a positive force around the players,” he said.

Aaron Mooy retires

Sports Brief earlier reported on legendary Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy announcing his shock retirement from football.

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Mooy is coming off a season where he won the domestic treble with Scottish giants, Celtic. He made 41 appearances, scoring seven times.

He also played 57 times for the Australian national team between 2012 and 2022, where he appeared at two World Cup tournaments (2018 and 2022).