Tom Cleverley, a former midfielder for Manchester United, has announced his retirement

Tom Cleverley, a former midfielder for Manchester United, declared his retirement from the sport at the age of 33 due to ongoing ailments.

The former England international most recently served as Watford’s captain after going on loan from United to the Championship team for the 2009–10 season.

During his six-and-a-half-year stay with Watford, Cleverley made 181 appearances, scored 19 goals, and had 15 assists. He first arrived from Everton on loan twice before making the move permanent in 2017.

He missed 29 games for Watford in his most recent season due to injury, and the team placed 11th in the Championship.

Cleverley had surgery for an Achilles injury that kept him out for a long time at the start of the previous season before suffering a thigh ailment in February.

“Today, I’m declaring my playing retirement from the game of football. The previous year has been very challenging as I’ve attempted to overcome injury-related challenges, the former Premier League champion said in a statement on Saturday.

Unfortunately, my body has let me down and is no longer capable of performing.

Cleverley, a United youth alumnus who played in 79 games for the club at Old Trafford before joining on loan, has played for Leicester City, Watford, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, and Everton.

“Manchester United deserves special recognition… The individuals and the team that helped me build my foundation as a player and person, as well as the team who helped me realize my aspirations…

“To all the Watford Football Club staff members. I’m fortunate to be able to name this club my home. I will never be able to repay the affection you have given me from the time I was a little loanee till the day I retire as a grown man.

Watford said, “The club and Tom will soon jointly announce some exciting news.”