Bridges hangs up boots

Ex-Sunderland and Leeds striker Michael Bridges has announced his retirement from professional football.

Ex-Sunderland and Whites striker retires from playing

Former Sunderland and Leeds United striker Michael Bridges has announced his retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old striker made more than 200 appearances in the Premier League during spells with the Black Cats, Leeds and Newcastle, on loan. Bridges joined Leeds for £5million in 1999 and he scored 19 goals in his first season at Elland Road before sustaining a serious Achilles injury against Besiktas in UEFA Champions League the following year. He moved to the Newcastle Jets in 2009 and scored six goals in 15 appearances during his first season in Australia.

Stay on

Bridges, who became the club's first overseas-born captain, will stay on with the A-League side as their international football and business development manager. "After great consideration it was a difficult to decision to make," the former England Under-21 international said. "However the opportunity to enter the next phase of my life is one that is too exciting not to take now whilst it is being offered."