Former Leeds United midfielder Bradley Johnson has announced his retirement at the age of 36.
The well-travelled midfielder stayed at Elland Road for three and a half years, making 140 appearances and helping the club win promotion from League One.
Norwich City signed him from Leeds in 2011, and he played regularly in the Premier League for three seasons. After helping the Canaries return to the Premier League in 2015, he joined Derby County in the Championship.
Seven years in the second tier followed, with the first four spent at Pride Park. He spent three years with Blackburn Rovers before joining League One club Milton Keynes Dons in 2022.
Derby brought Johnson back last year, giving him a player-coach role in their under-21s squad. However, he has announced that he would retire and focus on coaching.
Johnson stated on social media: “After 20 incredible years and over 600 games, I am announcing my retirement from professional football.” I’ve had an incredible adventure and know deep down that, while I still feel physically capable of continuing, now is the moment to announce my retirement so that I may focus on my coaching profession.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my journey. I’ve had an amazing playing career, which I’m incredibly proud of. There have been extreme highs, severe lows, and several hurdles along the way, but looking back, I would not alter anything. It’s been an incredible journey from being released as a young lad at Arsenal to returning to the Premier League as a midfield player.
“There have been some unbelievable experiences along the way. I’m really proud to have played in and been promoted from League Two, League One, and the Championship, including being promoted to the Premier League with Norwich in front of a packed Wembley Stadium on one of the most incredible days of my life.
“I feel honoured to have gone on to play over 100 Premier League games, something I could only have imagined as a little lad growing up in Hackney, and privileged to have done so alongside so many wonderful players, many of whom I now consider close friends. None of this would have been possible without the support of those around me, and I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the clubs I’ve played for. Thank you to all of my colleagues, staff, management, and, most importantly, the amazing supporters of Cambridge, Northampton, Stevenage, Ebbsfleet, Leeds, Brighton, Norwich, Derby, Blackburn, and MK Dons. You all hold a particular place in my heart.
A special thank you to my mother Karen, father Keith, brothers Dean, Jack, and Louis, and sister Abbie. You made it all possible, and I will never forget your dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering support.
“I’d like to thank Neil Fewings, Duncan Ross, Fahri Ecvet, Roxanne Hessian, and Olivia Chilton, who have served as my management team throughout my career. Finally, I’d want to thank the most important people in my life: my fantastic wife Nereasha, who has always been a steady source of support, and my three lovely children, Harley, Mason, and Rome. Everything I have done, and continue to do, is for all of you. Thank you for everything, and I love you all.”