Craig Gordon has retired from enjoying soccer on the age of 43.
The goalkeeper made his skilled debut in 2001 and went on to play over 760 occasions for Hearts, Celtic, Sunderland, Cowdenbeath and Scotland.
His first of 84 worldwide caps got here in 2004, whereas his Scottish Cup win with Hearts within the 2005/06 season was the primary of his 15 main honours.
Gordon earned a spot within the Scottish FA’s worldwide roll of honour, plus on the age of 24 was inducted into Hearts’ corridor of fame in 2007 – the youngest participant to obtain such an accolade.
His £9m transfer to Sunderland later that yr was the-then-British-record switch charge for a goalkeeper, and in 2010 his save in opposition to Bolton was named the most effective save in Premier League historical past.
Gordon joined Sunderland in 2007 for £9m
Gordon’s 25-year enjoying profession was additionally marred by main accidents. A succession of ankle issues, damaged arms and knee surgical procedure noticed his time at Sunderland finally finish, and a interval of rehab start.
He was then out of motion for round two years and took up teaching as he battled in opposition to a career-threatening situation from 2012.
From being unable to stroll pain-free, Gordon recovered and signed for Celtic, the place he gained six Premiership titles, 5 League Cups and three Scottish Cups.
Gordon gained six league titles when at Celtic
Following the expiry of his contract at Celtic Park, Gordon returned to Hearts, the place he continued to impress earlier than one other setback. A double leg break on Christmas Eve 2022 that left his profession doubtful once more.
Nevertheless, after extra surgical procedure, Gordon recovered once more and returned to motion for Hearts and Scotland.
Gordon broke his leg in two locations when enjoying for Hearts in 2022
He performed his half in final season’s title bid as Hearts missed out on the ultimate day of the Premiership season, plus was within the Scotland squad for the World Cup at 43.
Following 25 years of success, particular person honours and perseverance, the goalkeeper has referred to as time on his exceptional profession.
