Collymore walks out on football

Stan Collymore has brought his controversial career to a shock end by announcing his retirement at the age of 30.

A statement issued this afternoon through his spokesman Ian Monk said: "Stan Collymore has decided, after discussions with his family and close friends, to give up playing professional football.

"He has just turned 30 and believes that the time is right to explore other career opportunities which are available to him.

"He also wants to spend as much time as possible with his family, in particular his son Thomas and his fiance Estelle.

"Stan will always be grateful to the many people in football who have helped and supported him throughout his career.

"His club, Oviedo, is being informed of his decision."

Collymore joined Spanish side Real Oviedo on January 31 after a brief and unhappy spell with Bradford. He originally made his name as a striker at Southend, before having several successful seasons with Nottingham Forest. He then joined Liverpool in 1995 for a then British transfer record of £8.5million.

When his Anfield career turned soured Brian Little took him to Aston Villa for £7million in May 1997. But Collymore could not kickstart his career at Villa Park and, after a spell when he received counselling for depression, he was sold by John Gregory to Leicester last year.

Collymore made an impressive start for Leicester under Martin O'Neill, but lost his way and was sold to Bradford in October of last year by O'Neill's successor Peter Taylor before heading for a fresh start in Spain.

Despite his talents, he only won three England caps.