Jamie Carragher reveals why did he quit football at aged 35

Former Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher announced in February 2013 that he would be ending his career on his 16-year playing career at the end of the 2012-13 season.

The former defender has now admitted, however, that he had known when he wanted to retire long before he quit.

The 42-year-old told The Athletic: ‘I almost knew 18 months to two years before, the time that I wanted to go out. 

‘My contract was finishing and I was just starting to not be a regular for Liverpool.

‘I had a couple of options in my head: I could be a one-club man, stay at Liverpool and not go anywhere else, knowing that it’s going to be difficult for me to get back fully into the team. 

‘Or I could drop down a level in terms of quality, maybe play a bit more regularly and prolong my career into my late 30s.’

Jamie decided that he didn’t have the incitement to play for another side but also said that he wanted fans to be remembered for playing at his best shape in the Champions League final in 2005 and not as a second-stringer whose age could see him make a mistake.

He added: ‘The club means so much to you — I didn’t want to embarrass myself or Liverpool by carrying on and becoming so bad you get thrown out instead of walking out.’ 

Jamie Carragher is currently been working as football pundits along with Gary Neville and Roy Keane on television since ending his career as a footballer, working both as an analyst and co-commentator for Sky Sports.