One cap England defender released by West Brom last summer confirms retirement following ACL injury
Former Liverpool and England defender Martin Kelly has confirmed his retirement - more than a year since being released by West Brom.
Kelly, who broke through at Liverpool before going on to play more than 120 times for Crystal Palace - was signed by then Albion boss Steve Bruce as a free agent back in 2022.
However, he made just seven appearances in his first season with the club, before going on to join Wigan Athletic on loan.
But it was there, in his first game for the Latics, where he suffered an ACL injury that would ultimately end his playing career.
The 35-year-old was released by Albion last summer and began training with League Two side Salford City with a view to a possible comeback - but it did not materialise.
He made the call to retire back in March - but only officially confirmed the decision to hang up his boots in an interview with The Athletic this week.
The Liverpool academy graduate, who is now looking to move into coaching, explained the decision behind confirming his retirement, ahead of playing in a Liverpool Legends charity match.
He said: "I’ve never actually got around to writing the social media post to announce it; I’ve only told friends and family, but yeah, I’ve retired.
“It was March when I sat down with the family and told them I was thinking about it. Around the same time, I got asked to play for Liverpool in a legends game against Chelsea. One of the stipulations was that you had to be retired, so that just reaffirmed my decision.
"After so many years of only having three or four weeks off before getting back into pre-season, it was amazing to have a long summer with the family. My daughters are aged five and eight, so I’m really enjoying being around as a dad; doing things I didn’t get to do as a footballer, like the school run.”
Kelly became part of the England one cap club - when he came on as a substitute against Norway in 2012. He holds the record for having the shortest ever England career. Strangely, second in that list is another ex-Baggie in Nathaniel Chalobah.
The former Albion defender is now working towards is A Licence - and has ambitions of management.
He added: "I think I have the attributes to be a manager but I’m at the bottom of the ladder as a coach.
“I’m ready to learn, and I see this as a 30-year plan in terms of giving back to football in whatever role I can."
