Ex-Liverpool star finally confirms retirement so he can play for Reds once again

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A former Liverpool defender has officially confirmed his retirement from professional football and revealed that his decision was surprisingly influenced by an opportunity to represent the club once more. Martin Kelly, who came through Liverpool’s academy and made 62 appearances between 2008 and 2014, revealed he had quietly stepped away from the game earlier this year after nearly two decades playing professionally.

Speaking in a new interview, the 34-year-old said he had never made a formal announcement or social media post, but has now confirmed to The Athletic he’s taking a step back from playing professionally. “I’ve never actually gotten around to writing the social media post to announce it; I’ve only told friends and family, but yeah, I’ve retired,” he said.

Martin Kelly chose to confirm his retirement to be apart of the Liverpool Legends team (Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) “After so many years of only having three or four weeks off before getting back into pre-season, it was amazing to have a long summer with the family,” Kelly added. “My daughters are aged five and eight, so I’m really enjoying being around as a dad; doing things I didn’t get to do as a footballer, like the school run.” Kelly’s involvement with Liverpool’s Legends side has already given him a chance to pull on the famous red shirt again, something he described as a “special feeling” after being away more than a decade from Anfield.