Kasper Schmeichel has posted a lengthy statement following his retirement announcement at age 39.
The Celtic goalkeeper, who will leave the club when his contract expires next month, has decided to hang up his boots permanently.
This news comes after failing to recover from a serious shoulder injury, which was originally sustained on international duty with Denmark last year.
Now, on his Instagram account, Schmeichel has addressed his reasons for retiring, as well as showing his appreciation for all those who have supported him in his career.
Below is the statement in full:
"Dear all,
"These are some of the hardest words I have ever had to write, but I'm writing them to say thank you directly to all of you who have followed and supported me throughout my career.
"A shoulder injury is forcing me to end my playing career when my contract with Celtic expires this summer.
"I've been told by my doctors that the chances of me ever playing football again at the highest level are now extremely small.
"I've been a footballer since the day I was born.
"Accepting that my body may no longer allow me to do the thing I have loved more than anything is one of the hardest moments of my life.
"I love football.
"The everyday life inside clubs.
"The dressing room.
"The hard work.
"The pressure.
"The feeling of walking onto the pitch on the biggest stage, fighting for trophies with your teammates beside you.
"Nothing will ever replace that feeling.
"I've been incredibly fortunate to experience unforgettable moments throughout my career, including league titles and cup victories in both England and Scotland.
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"Ten years ago, we won the Premier League with Leicester City.
"A miracle for the entire football world, and something I don't think any of us who lived it will ever truly be able to explain.
"Over the last two seasons, we won four trophies with Celtic.
"I'm proud of every medal, every experience, and the honour of being part of such an incredible club's history.
"The roar.
"The songs.
"The passion from the stands.
"Those are things I will carry with me forever.
"Representing Denmark was truly something special.
"It was my childhood dream to play for my country.
"To captain Denmark at a World Cup and a European Championship will always be the greatest honour of my career.
"For me, football was never just a job.
"It was something I was willing to sacrifice everything for.
"I never wanted my career to end because I couldn't fight anymore.
"Unfortunately, the injury has made that decision for me.
"I grew up in a different era, where you idolised players who fought for everything and never gave up.
"That mentality shaped my entire career.
"Ever since this injury happened, I believed that if there was even the smallest chance I could keep going, then I had to try.
"Now I have tried everything.
"As I said, I've been a footballer since the day I was born.
"Accepting that it may be over is still something I'm trying to come to terms with.
"But despite the pain of this moment, I'm filled with enormous pride and gratitude for what football has given me.
"The memories.
"The friendships.
"The experiences.
"The purpose.
"Thank you to every teammate I have shared a dressing room with.
"To every coach and goalkeeping coach who believed in me.
"To every member of the medical staff and all the incredible people working behind the scenes at football clubs who make the everyday possible and the special moments unforgettable.
"Thank you to Manchester City, Darlington, Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff, Coventry, Notts County, Leeds, Leicester City, Nice, Anderlecht and finally Celtic.
"Every single club shaped me into both the player and the person I became, and I will always be proud to have represented them.
"But most of all, thank you to the fans.
"For the support.
"For the passion.
"For believing in me through every high and every low.
"It has meant more than words can ever explain.
"From the bottom of my heart:
"Thank you."
