Former Reading FC captain Liam Moore has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 31-year-old defender has struggled with several injury issues during the latter days of his playing career and thus has decided to call time on his career.
Taking to Instagram, Moore said: “After 14 years of living out my childhood dream, it’s time for me to retire from professional football.
“It’s a decision that comes to every player at some point, but after listening to my head, heart, and body, I truly believe now is the right time for me. Naturally, there’s disappointment with the lack of football I’ve been able to play in the last couple of years, but that doesn’t even come close to the sense of pride I feel at my journey that has exceeded my wildest dreams!
“From as young as I can remember, I only ever dreamt of being a professional footballer and to pull on the shirt for Leicester City. Fast forward 25+ years to writing this, I am truly humbled from the bottom of my heart that I was able to do this and much more.
Playing for my boyhood club in the premier league, scoring my first professional goal, winning the championship, captaining Reading Football Club, representing England youth teams and Jamaica senior team, playing in all four leagues with the amazing clubs I did and many more memorable moments allow me to look back on my career with immense happiness.
“All of this would never have been possible without the love, support, and sacrifices made by my friends and family.
“A special thank you to my Mum for raising me the way she did with fight, determination, and freedom, allowing me to chase my dream.
“Also to my beautiful wife Roxi and our 3 amazing children, Milah, Monty, and Maddox, who have given me the greatest source of inspiration and support throughout this journey, I was able to face any challenge I had with you guys in my corner.
“Thank you to all the coaches, staff members, teammates, and opponents I’ve crossed paths with along the way. You all have played a part in shaping me into the person I am, and I’ve made friends that I now regard as family.
“Finally, a wholehearted thank you to the supporters at all the clubs I was privileged to play for; you are what makes the game so special!
“I’m really excited for this next chapter in my life.While enjoying family time is top of my priority list, I’ve got a passion for the game and look forward to staying involved in some capacity. Thank you for everything.”
Having spent seven seasons with the Royals, Moore was released as a free agent at the end of the 2022/23 having experienced numerous injury problems in his final couple of years at the club.
Moore enjoyed a superb start to life at Reading and became a vital member of the team and was made club captain at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
However, after stating his desire to pursue a move away from the club, he was stripped of club captaincy in January 2022 and then joined Stoke City on a loan move.
The loan move was cut short after he picked up a serious injury. He then managed just three appearances in his final season with Reading as injuries continued to frustrate him.
He made five appearances for Northampton Town last season.
