Former Irish international Ian Harte announces retirement

Former Republic of Ireland international Ian Harte has retired via a post on his twitter account. A quite low key exit for one of the finest Irish players of his generation.

The classy left-back was released by Bournemouth at the end of last season following two campaigns which ended in promotion to the Premier League.

Last season Harte featured in nine games, 17 less than the season before in which he scored one goal.

The set-piece specialist enjoyed the best spell of his career whilst at Leeds United - earning his place in the PFA Team of the Year in 1999-2000, and playing in the Champions League - the highlights of his nine year association.

He also enjoyed three years at Spanish club Levante before brief spells at Sunderland, Blackpool, Carlisle United and Reading.

During a spell in League One with Carlisle in 2010 he scored 18 goals from his defensive slot. While over his two decades in the game he scored as impressive 64 goals in all.

The Drogheda native won 63 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 12 goals and featuring in the 2002 World Cup.

The 37-year-old tweeted on Thursday morning; “The time has come to hang the boots up. I have had over 20 years playing football and loved every minute of it!!! Now to the next chapter.”