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A former Liverpool defender has officially confirmed his retirement from professional football and revealed that his decision was surprisingly influenced by an opportunity to represent the club once more.
Martin Kelly, who came through Liverpool’s academy and made 62 appearances between 2008 and 2014, revealed he had quietly stepped away from the game earlier this year after nearly two decades playing professionally.
Speaking in a new interview, the 34-year-old said he had never made a formal announcement or social media post, but has now confirmed to The Athletic he’s taking a step back from playing professionally.
“I’ve never actually gotten around to writing the social media post to announce it; I’ve only told friends and family, but yeah, I’ve retired,” he said. “It was March when I sat down with the family and told them I was thinking about it. Around the same time, I got asked to play for Liverpool in a legends game against Chelsea. One of the stipulations was that you had to be retired, so that just reaffirmed my decision.”
Kelly came through his boyhood club Liverpool's youth system and was part of the squad under some of the club’s biggest-name managers, including Rafa Benitez, Kenny Dalglish, and Brendan Rodgers, before moving on to join Crystal Palace in 2014.
He went on to make over 140 appearances for the London side but later had solid stints at both West Bromwich Albion and Wigan Athletic.
The experienced defender said that after years of summers filled with pre-seasons and packed schedules of travel, retirement has allowed him to finally slow down and spend more time with his family.
“After so many years of only having three or four weeks off before getting back into pre-season, it was amazing to have a long summer with the family,” Kelly added. “My daughters are aged five and eight, so I’m really enjoying being around as a dad; doing things I didn’t get to do as a footballer, like the school run.”
Kelly’s involvement with Liverpool’s Legends side has already given him a chance to pull on the famous red shirt again, something he described as a “special feeling” after being away more than a decade from Anfield.
The former England international, who earned one cap in 2012, said he still follows Liverpool closely and remains in touch with several former teammates.
The club also announced the news online with a spokesperson adding: “Everyone at LFC wishes him the best of luck for the future.”
While his playing days in the professional game are now behind him, Kelly hinted that he could remain connected to football, whether through coaching, mentoring, or supporting the next generation of players coming through the academy system that once shaped him.
For now, though, the boy from Whiston is simply enjoying the new chapter of his life and the chance to don the red Liverpool shirt a few more times - even if it’s just for fun.
English (US) ·