Sheffield United icon Billy Sharp has officially retired from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 22-year career at the age of 40.
Sharp, a hometown hero to the Blades, made 377 appearances for his beloved club before calling it quits. Over the course of his time on the pitch, he found the back of the net 299 times while representing a host of teams including Rushden & Diamonds, Scunthorpe United, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Leeds United, and Doncaster Rovers.
The striker went out on a high note, having been a free agent following his departure from Doncaster at the end of the previous season. He capped off that final campaign with a dramatic hat-trick against Peterborough in his last-ever match.
Sharp leaves behind a legacy as one of the most prolific forwards in English lower-league football, remembered particularly for his devastating partnership and goal-scoring records during his lengthy spell at Bramall Lane.
Was he really at Leeds? I feel like I missed that chapter. Great stats though, impressive longevity.
I can’t believe he played until 40! That hat-trick in his final match was the perfect farewell.
What a incredible career. 299 goals is truly remarkable. A proper legend of the game indeed.