Budapest (AFP) – Hungarian goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly famed for playing in grey tracksuit trousers, retired Wednesday after a 26-year-long career that included a record 108 international caps and club spells in Germany and England.
In a video on his Facebook page Kiraly, 43, puts pair of the trademark sweatpants that gained him a cult following among fans at home and abroad on a dressing room hook, before giving them a tender stroke as he walks away.
“I thank football for teaching me everything and making me a better person,” the former Hertha Berlin and Crystal Palace keeper said on his website.
Kiraly was a key member of the Hungary side that reached Euro 2016, the Magyar’s first major tournament in three decades.
The oldest player in in France, Kiraly won the save of the tournament award for his spectacular diving stop from a Kevin De Bruyne free-kick.
He began his career in 1993 at his hometown club Haladas in Szombathely, western Hungary, before moving to German side Hertha Berlin in 1997.
Kiraly played 252 times for Hertha and was named Bundesliga goalkeeper of the year in 1998.
He later had spells with Premier League sides Crystal Palace, West Ham, Aston Villa, Burnley, and Fulham, as well as 1860 Munchen in Germany, before ending his career back home with Haladas.
