Sheringham, 41, calls time on great career

Former England striker Teddy Sheringham announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season. Sheringham, who will turn 42 next month, is currently at the Championship side Colchester United, where he will finally end his 26-year career.

Sheringham said: "After a long and fun-filled career, I have decided this season will be my last. I've had a fantastic time and want to thank all those who have contributed to my career and helped me along the way."

Sheringham had two spells at Tottenham Hotspur and played for six other clubs, including Manchester United, with whom he won the Champions' League in 1999, memorably scoring a last-gasp equaliser against Bayern Munich in Barcelona before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fired in a dramatic injury-time winner.

Sheringham said: "I've no immediate thoughts about going into management, but football has always been my life and hopefully I will be back at some point in the future. Until then I have to try and help Colchester stay in the Championship."

Sheringham admitted he had no desire to emulate Sir Stanley Matthews, who was playing until he was 50. He said: "My dad wanted me to carry on and beat Matthews' record, but this season is the right time to bow out."

As well as a superb club career, Sheringham won 51 caps for his country, playing an integral part in England's march to the semi-finals of Euro 96, scoring twice in the 4-1 defeat of Holland in the group stages. He then scored the first goal against Greece and earned the free-kick from which David Beckham scored to send Sven Goran Eriksson's men to the 2002 World Cup.

History of a Teddy boy

1966: Born 2 April in Highams Park, Waltham Forest, London.

1984: Signs apprentice forms with Millwall.

1985: Joins Aldershot on loan.

1988: Wins Second Division championship with Millwall.

1991: Signs for Nottingham Forest for £2 million.

1992: Wins Zenith Data Systems Cup. Joins Spurs for £2.1m.

1993: Makes full England debut against Poland.

1996: Helps England reach semi-finals of Euro 96.

1997: Signs for Manchester United for £3.5m.

1999: Scores in 2-0 FA Cup final win over Newcastle and in 2-1 Champions' League final victory against Bayern Munich.

2001: Named PFA and Football Writers' Association player of the year. Returns to Spurs.

2003: Joins Portsmouth.

2004: Signs one-year deal with West Ham.

2007: Joins Colchester.

2008: Confirms he will retire.