Former Liverpool midfielder announces retirement after 22-year career in heartfelt message.

Adam Lallana Announces Retirement After 22-Year Career Spanning Saints to European Glory

Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has officially retired from professional football, closing the chapter on a remarkable 22-year journey that saw him rise from a young academy talent to a Champions League and Premier League winner.

The 36-year-old shared the emotional news on Instagram, writing: “As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride.”

Lallana made 178 appearances for Liverpool after his 2014 move from Southampton, contributing 22 goals and 21 assists. During his time at Anfield, he lifted four major trophies, including the 2019 Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League title.

His career came full circle with a return to Southampton, where he wrapped up his playing days. “Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends,” he wrote. “It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.”

While Lallana began and ended at Saints, he acknowledged that his peak years came at Liverpool: “The chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.”

He also expressed deep affection for Brighton, describing his time there as “some of the happiest years of my life” and commending the club’s modern and community-driven approach. It was at Brighton that he forged a close friendship with Alexis Mac Allister, which may have influenced the Argentine’s eventual move to Liverpool.

In a heartfelt farewell, Lallana thanked his managers, teammates, supporters, and especially his family: “My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister — thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.”

“I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it,” he added. “I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.”

In the twilight of his career, Lallana even had a quiet role in one of the summer’s surprises — reportedly providing insight to Pep Guardiola on Pep Lijnders, Liverpool’s former assistant, before his move to Manchester City as Guardiola’s new No.2.

Lallana retires as a player admired across the football world — a tireless professional, admired teammate, and key figure in Liverpool’s return to the summit of European football.