Northern Ireland international Tom Flanagan has announced his retirement after suffering an Achilles injury – saying his career “is something that means more to me than I could ever put into words”.

England-born Flanagan made his Northern Ireland debut against New Zealand in June 2017 and earned 15 senior caps.

The 34-year-old, who enjoyed spells at Milton Keynes Dons, Burton Albion, Sunderland, Shrewsbury Town and Colchester United, ruptured his Achilles at the end of last season – an injury which he is still recovering from.

Flanagan won an EFL Trophy with Sunderland in 2021 and made over 400 appearances across spells with his various clubs.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland’s Tom Flanagan has announced his retirement. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

Announcing his retirement, Flanagan declared “I fought for everything in one of the most competitive industries in the world” and encouraged young players to enjoy the journey.

"After seventeen incredible years as a professional footballer, the time has come for me to retire from the game I have loved for as long as I can remember,” he said in a statement on Colchester’s website. “To have played across the Championship, League One, League Two and the National League, while also having the honour of representing my country on multiple occasions, is something that means more to me than I could ever put into words.

"It’s an achievement that fills not only me, but my entire family, with immense pride. None of it happened by chance. Every appearance, every contract and every opportunity had to be earned.

"People often tell young professionals, “Enjoy it because your career flies by.” As one of the older lads, I found myself saying exactly the same thing. You never truly understand what they mean until it’s your turn.

"But what happened to me taught me something even more powerful.

"Your career doesn’t always slowly fade away. Sometimes, it ends in a single moment.

"Mine ended on a Friday morning during a routine warm-up. One movement, one step, one ruptured Achilles—and just like that, after seventeen years, my career was over. It took less than a second.

"That experience reminded me just how fragile this profession is. We spend years chasing contracts, promotions, trophies and appearances, believing there will always be another pre-season, another game and another opportunity.

"The reality is there might not be. A career that takes decades to build can disappear in the blink of an eye.

“That’s why I’d say to every young professional: don’t wait for the big occasions to appreciate what you have.

"Enjoy the daily routines, the dressing room banter, the away trips, the hard sessions, the wins, the defeats and everything in between. One day, those ordinary moments will become the memories you miss the most.

"Of course, the medals will always have a special place in my home. Winners’ medals and runners-up medals represent years of sacrifice and hard work, and I’m incredibly proud of every one of them.

"But when I look back, they aren’t what I’ll treasure most. The real rewards are the people. The teammates who became lifelong friends. The opponents who challenged me. The managers who believed in me. The coaches, physios, analysts, kit staff, groundsmen and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.

"Football introduced me to people from every walk of life, from every corner of the country and even the world. Those relationships and memories are what I’ll carry with me forever.

"Football has given me and my family a life we could only have dreamed of. Some people will say I was lucky.

"I see it a little differently. I was fortunate to have opportunities, but nothing was handed to me.

"I fought for everything in one of the most competitive industries in the world. Every release, every setback, every injury, every comeback and every success shaped the person I am today.

"To every club that gave me an opportunity, every teammate who stood beside me, every member of staff who helped me, every supporter who backed me through the highs and the lows, and everyone who has been part of this journey – thank you. You have all helped shape a chapter of my life that I will never forget.

"Although this chapter ended far sooner than I ever imagined I leave the game with immense pride, incredible memories and, above all, gratitude. Football will always be part of who I am. Thank you for everything.”