Winterburn retires

The full back was released by West Ham at the end of the season and it had been rumoured for some time that would call time on his career.

The former England international has now confirmed that his playing days are finally over, after 23 years in the professional game.

Winterburn told Sky Sports News: "At 39 I don't think I'm capable of playing in the Premier League any longer. I always said I would like to finish at the top.

"My father died in April and that made me realise there is life after football.

"I said to my agent he could have a look around for me and see if any clubs were interested.

"But the longer it went on and the more I thought about it, it occurred to me that maybe it's time for me to give something back to my family."

Winterburn started his career as an apprentice with Birmingham before moving on to Oxford. His stay with The U`s was only brief, as Wimbledon snapped him up in September 1983 and he made over 150 appearances for The Dons.

A transfer to Arsenal in 1987 moved his career on to a new level, as he made over 500 appearances for The Gunners, winning numerous honours, before joining West Ham in the summer of 2000.

Winterburn`s career ended on a sour note, as he failed to prevent West Ham from slipping into Division One.