Long-time Bolton striker Kevin Davies announced his retirement

Former Bolton and Southampton striker Kevin Davies has called time on his playing career as he announced his retirement on Friday. The 38-year-old former England striker left Preston over the summer when his two-year contract expired after leading them to promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last season following a career which saw him score 150 goals in 820 appearances.

He posted on his Twitter account on Friday a photograph of a pair of hanging football boots with the words: “It’s been emotional. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way #22seasons.”

Davies began his career in the Sheffield United academy before making his professional debut for Chesterfield in 1993, with two stints at Southampton either side of a spell at Blackburn. The Sheffield-born forward then made the move to Lancashire neighbors Bolton, where he enjoyed a 10-year stay as he racked up more than 350 appearances and scored 74 goals. From there Davies joined North End in his last career move.

He told BBC Radio 5 live: “I could probably physically do another season but I just feel it’s the right time.

“I’ll look back with immense pride for the last 22 years.”

In 2010, Davies – at 33 years and 200 days – became the oldest England debutant since 38-year-old Leslie Compton in 1950 when he came on as substitute in a Euro 2012 qualifying game against Montenegro, his only cap.

Davies says the call-up was the high point of his career, adding:

“I’d been in so many of those long squads and on stand-by I never thought it would quite come.

“To get the call at 33, it was just an amazing week for myself. I just loved every minute, travelling down, the training and getting on to the pitch.

“It wasn’t a great game, to get on the pitch and represent my country was the pinnacle.”