DEFENDER Neil Taylor has called time on his professional playing career at the age of 33.
With Wales preparing to head to the World Cup in Qatar, Taylor’s retirement offers a timely opportunity to reflect on his contribution to the national team making history in the summer of 2016.
Taylor played every minute of all six games for Cymru at EURO 2016 as Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals, and scored his one and only international goal in the memorable 3-0 win over Russia in Toulouse that ensured that his side would finish top of Group B and qualify for the R16.
One of Coleman’s most-trusted defenders, Taylor will forever hold a place in the hearts of the Cymru fans who witnessed that incredible tournament as the side defied the odds.
“My professional career is over,” said Taylor in a social media post on Monday. “I feel like I’ve rinsed out every ounce of ability (or lack of) that I had through hard work, determination and sacrifice. My mum said to me when I was seven-years-old, if you ever want to stop you can, but if you’re in, you’re all in, and I was. But I no longer am.
“I’ve enjoyed my career immensely, playing from the National League all the way up to the Premier League and to the dizzy heights with my beloved Wales.”
