Former Wales captain Ashley Williams winds down playing career

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old has called time on his playing career on his career despite a number of offers to prolong it.

Former Swansea captain Williams played for Bristol City most recently, but has since not found a club.

The former Swansea captain made more 731 appearances in his club career and recorded 86 caps for Wales. 

“After consideration of recent offers to continue playing, I would like to announce my retirement as a professional footballer,” said Williams. 

“It has been an honour to play 741 games across all levels of the English football leagues and to represent some incredible teams.”

In 2011, he won promotion to the Premier League with Swansea City, having started his career in the English lower leagues with Hednesford Town and then Stockport County.

He was also part of the Carabao Cup winning side for the Swans, before earning a move to Everton, where he was contracted for three years. 

Williams added: “It has been an unbelievable journey and one I will look back on with my family and be immensely proud of. Starting from non-league to playing at the highest level in the Premier League, as well as representing my country on 86 occasions, was beyond my wildest dreams.

“Captaining Wales in a semi-final (of the) European Championships in 2016 was my greatest achievement and something I will never forget.

“Football has taught me so much both on and off the field and I will take this with me into the next chapter. I look forward to still being involved in the game in the future.”

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)