Bartosz Bialkowski, former Ipswich Town goalkeeper, has declared his retirement from football.
The 37-year-old left Millwall at the end of last season after over 150 appearances, and he has now decided to put up his gloves.
What a journey it has been🙌 thank u football❤️ pic.twitter.com/VJIObEOR2N
— Bartosz Bialkowski (@1BartMan1) August 29, 2024
“I rejected various options and decided that I was feeling good where I am now, that is, Spain, with my family,” he shared on social media. “Something is over. At the time, I can claim that I am finished.
“I could play for another year or two since I feel well physically. However, such burnout and tiredness from football.”
Bialkowski joined Town on loan from Southampton in March 2009, but did not make a senior appearance during that time.
He returned to the Blues on a permanent basis from Notts County in the summer of 2014, following a successful two seasons at Meadow Lane.
The Polish goalkeeper made 178 appearances for Town and was named Player of the Year three times.
During his stint at Portman Road, he earned his single Poland cap and was included to the 2018 World Cup roster, but did not play in any of the games.
Bialkowski first departed Town for Millwall on loan in the summer of 2019, before signing permanently in January 2020.
He began his career with Górnik Zabrze in his native Poland before coming to England to join Southampton in 2006, where he appeared in nearly 50 matches.
