Remember when Eric Cantona called it a day at 31, and you thought: Oh, wow, that guy had a few years left on the clock? It wasn’t a popular decision, but some players like to go out while they’re still at the top of their game.
One or two veterans even seem to get better with age. West Brom’s Gareth McAuley, for example, is still a key player for the Baggies despite nearing 40, and even though Francesco Totti isn’t the player he once was, he still has a role to play at Roma – and not just as a club emblem.
And then there are the players who just don’t know when to call it quits. If you’re a Liverpool fan, you might recall Jamie Carragher was still running out at Anfield well into his mid-30s, and while nobody could deny his legendary status, those last few performances were painful to watch.
Here are 8 players who need to retire. Like, now….
Peter Crouch
Seriously, when was the last time Crouchie found the net? The 6 ft 7 striker has never had pace but these days he doesn't even have the strength to out-reach his opponents.
Source: Twitter
Shay Given
The veteran Irish goalkeeper appears to be making the move into punditry, and if his last couple of performances are anything to go by, it's probably a sensible decision.
Source: Twitter
Stewart Downing
Downing has had a solid Premier League career but the game has moved on from slow wingers who can cross, and Boro have a raft of better options.
Source: Twitter
Jermaine Pennant
Pennant hasn't had the best of careers, but playing in Singapore is probably a bit desperate even for him.
Source: Twitter
John O’Shea
Utility man O'Shea was one of Fergie's go-to guys, but that was nearly a decade ago, and Moyes has enough defensive troubles as it is.
Source: Twitter
John Terry
Conte's switch to a back three means Terry's days at Chelsea are numbered - so lock up your wives because he's about to have a lot more spare time.
Source: Twitter
Wes Brown
To be fair, Wes Brown's role at Ewood Park is supposed to be as a player-coach, but few Blackburn fans would complain if he took out the player bit.
Source: Twitter
Darren Bent
Bent's once promising career hit the rocks a long time ago, and with a woeful record in front of goal for Derby, it's probably time to call it a day.
Source: Twitter
SEE ALSO: 8 dual nationality players who snubbged England
Honourable mention for Wayne Rooney, who is still only 31 and – theoretically – could yet recapture the form that once made him one of the world’s best players. We won’t hold our breath though.
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