‘Reaffirmed my decision’ – Ex-Premier League star retired to seal place in Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match

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Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35.And the decision to hang up his boots was made easier by his desire to feature in a Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match. The ex-right back has not revealed the news to fans on his social media, but he confirmed his retirement to The Athletic.

He continued: "Around the same time, I got asked to play for Liverpool in a legends game against Chelsea. They then wrote: "Everyone at LFC wishes him the best of luck for the future."3Kelly struggled with injuries throughout his careerCredit: GettyKelly's careerKelly began his football career at Liverpool, joining the academy at eight years old and breaking through into the first team.He went on to play 62 games for the Reds across six years at the club, making his senior debut in the Champions League.

During his time at Anfield, the former right-back claimed his only England cap and featured in the Three Lions' squad at Euro 2012.An ACL injury meant his career was majorly impacted in 2013 and he eventually joined Crystal Palace in 2014. He then joined West Brom in 2022 and was loaned out to Wigan a year later, where he sadly picked up another serious injury on his debut and played his final game.3Kelly was involved in the Chelsea vs Liverpool legends game alongside Diego Costa and Jay SpearingCredit: GettyLegends in actionKelly's retirement allowed him to feature in the Chelsea vs Liverpool legends match on Saturday, October 11.Icons and former players from both Premier League giants were part of the fixture at Stamford Bridge.Eden Hazard, Petr Cech, John Terry, Marcel Desailly, Diego Costa, Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou played for Chelsea.