Former England goalkeeper David Seaman announced his retirement from soccer on Tuesday.
Seaman, 40, has suffered from a recurring shoulder problem while playing with Premier League side Manchester City this season. His last appearance was in City's 4-2 defeat at Portsmouth last Saturday, where he lasted only 13 minutes before being substituted.
"I have reached this difficult decision after much discussion with my family and those in the game whose views I respect," Seaman said.
"It has become clear to me that this type of injury will not quickly disappear -- and I think now would be a good time to hang up my boots, rather than at the end of the season as planned."
Seaman, who played 75 international matches, will be replaced at City by David James, who has also taken his England place. James moved from division one West Ham.
Seaman had transferred to City after an illustrious 13-year career at Arsenal, where he made 563 appearances.
He helped the team win three league titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Seaman has also played with Leeds, Peterborough, Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers.
Last March, while still with Arsenal, he made his 1,000th career appearance.
"I believe I have had a fantastic career playing at the highest level," Seaman said.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who have stood by me and supported my career, especially during the tough times, the players who I will miss for their professionalism and friendship and the fans who have inspired my enthusiasm for the game."
Seaman became as well-known for his mustache and ponytail as his great saves and blunders.
Despite his age, Seaman showed he could still play last season, making several key saves for Arsenal against Southampton in its 1-0 FA Cup final win.
His hand save against Sheffield United in the semifinals of the same competition was regarded as one of the best of the season.
There have also been lows. Seaman was lobbed by Real Zaragoza's Nayim from the halfway line in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1995 and suffered the worst moment of his career in the 2002 World Cup.
Ronaldinho's long-range free kick beat a stranded Seaman as England lost to Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Seaman was pictured distraught after that match but continued his England career.
Seaman had another erratic performance against Macedonia in a Euro 2004 qualifier in June 2002, where a corner kick by Macedonia's Artim Sakiri sailed over his head as England was held 2-2 in a Euro 2004 game.
That was his last game for England. He had made his debut in 1988 in a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.
Seaman said he had recommended James take his job.
"After deciding to retire it was a pleasure to recommend David James -- so I know the position is in safe hands," Seaman said.
"I wish him all the best. He is joining a great club with a first class manager in Kevin Keegan and a great squad.
"I am looking forward to getting the shoulder better in order to explore potential goalkeeper coaching opportunities."
City manager Kevin Keegan, one of Seaman's former England managers, signed the goalkeeper on a yearlong deal last July.
"This has been a difficult decision for David -- but I fully respect it," Keegan said.
FA Cup
Bolton was ousted from the FA Cup by second division Tranmere in extra time Tuesday, crashing to a 2-1 third-round replay defeat at the Reebok Stadium.
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