Damien Duff: Former Republic of Ireland winger retires

Former Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff has retired from football after a 20-year career.

The 36-year-old former Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea player won 100 caps for his country before quitting international football in 2012.

He signed for Shamrock Rovers last summer and made nine appearances for the League of Ireland side.

"My heart wants me to continue playing but my body has finally won the battle and told me to stop," he said.

Duff also played for Newcastle United, Fulham and Melbourne City in a career which saw the Dubliner win two league titles and a League Cup with Chelsea.

There was also success in that tournament with Blackburn and an appearance in a Europa League final with Fulham.

"I've lived every young boy's dream and I know I am a very lucky man," added Duff.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped me along the journey from schoolboy football in Dublin and moving to England as a teenager right up to today.

"It was always my greatest pleasure to represent Ireland and I have many magical memories from my international career."