Among those retiring are Jonny Evans, Adam Lallana, James Tomkins, and Wayne Hennessey, all of whom have left an indelible mark on the Premier League and their respective clubs. Let's take a closer look at their remarkable journeys and the achievements that have earned them a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike.
Jonny Evans, the 37-year-old centre-back, has wrapped up a 19-year career with over 600 professional appearances. His time at Manchester United saw him win numerous titles, including three Premier League championships, the Champions League, and the FA Cup. Evans also earned 107 international caps for Northern Ireland, scoring six goals and captaining his country 15 times. As he begins his new role as Head of Loans and Pathways at Manchester United, Evans remains an inspiration to emerging talent.
Adam Lallana, another 37-year-old veteran, has called time on his playing career, but not before joining Southampton as First Team Coach under new manager Will Still. Lallana's illustrious career spanned 571 appearances, resulting in 86 goals and 73 assists across all competitions. He made over 178 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. Lallana also earned 34 caps for England, featuring in the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.
James Tomkins, the 35-year-old centre-back, has officially retired after eight seasons with Crystal Palace and over a decade at West Ham. A product of the West Ham academy, Tomkins made 243 first-team appearances for the Hammers before joining Palace in 2016. During his nine years at Selhurst Park, he featured in 125 matches and scored 10 league goals. Tomkins' 2018/19 campaign was a career highlight, contributing to one of Palace's finest Premier League point totals, as well as being part of their historic FA Cup-winning campaign in his final year.
Wayne Hennessey, the 38-year-old goalkeeper, has announced his retirement, ending his career as Wales' third-most capped player (109 caps) and surpassing Neville Southall's record. At club level, he made over 100 league appearances for both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace. Internationally, he was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of the Euros in 2016 and appeared in the 2022 World Cup. Hennessey has since announced his new role as a coach at Nottingham Forest.
These retiring veterans have left an enduring legacy in the Premier League, and their contributions will continue to inspire and influence the next generation of players. As they embark on new chapters in their careers, their dedication, passion, and expertise will undoubtedly shape the future of the beautiful game.