LIAM Ridgewell has announced his retirement from football after leaving Southend United.

The 35-year-old defender played in the Premier League for Aston Vila, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.

But he lined up just once while with Blues and has now opted to hang up his boots.

On a statement on Twitter, Ridgewell said: “Football has given me the best life any little boy could wish for.

“There have been some massive highs and lows but now it’s time to hang up my boots and move on to the next chapter of my career.

“I’d like to say a massive than you to all the coaches and managers who moulded me into the player I was.

“A special thank you to the late, great Graham Taylor for giving me my debut and the reason I was able to pursue my dream.”

Ridgewell joined Blues last summer but played just 52 minutes before leaving the club during the January transfer window.