Leighton Baines confirms retirement after 13 years at Everton

Full-back made 420 appearances for the Toffees and won 30 caps for England

Leighton Baines has confirmed his retirement from football after 13 years at Everton.

The 35-year-old full-back made 420 appearances for Everton, captaining the side and scoring 39 goals after joining the club from Wigan in 2007.

Baines, who was also capped 30 times by England and appeared at the 2014 World Cup, announced his decision announced following the club’s 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth on the final day of the Premier League season.

He was offered a one-year contract extension by the Toffees, but has only played 17 times in the last two seasons as Lucas Digne took over as first-choice left-back.

“I am incredibly proud to have represented Everton for the past 13 years and my decision to retire has been a difficult one to make,” Baines wrote in a statement.

“After speaking to my family, I feel now is the right time to end my playing career but I do so with many great memories at this proud football club.

“As someone from the city, Everton means so much to me and it has been an honour to be part of the Club for so long.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during my time at Everton, especially the fans who have been fantastic with me from the moment I signed.”