Former Hammer Robert Green has announced his retirement from professional football - after going out on a high.
The Chertsey-born goalkeeper 39, was part of the Chelsea ensemble that beat Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday to lift the Europa League - following which he has announced his desire to end his playing days, just seven months shy of his 40th birthday.Green spent six seasons at West Ham, where he won the vast majority of his 12 England caps - even though he will be best remembered for allowing Clint Dempsey's tame shot to roll between his legs during a 1-1 draw with the USA in the 2010 World Cup Finals.
However his most memorable performance from his six seasons as a Hammer is surely the 1-0 win at Arsenal during the Great Escape of 2007, in which the home side created an incredible 35 shots but were beaten by Bobby Zamora's goal on the cusp of half time.
Announcing his retirement via social media, Green wrote: "Following an incredible evening in Baku on Wednesday and after a 23-year career spanning three decades, I've decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from professional football.
"Being part of the group and celebrations with such a special squad of players after winning the Europa League seems a fitting way to end what's been an amazing journey for me in the game.
"I've had the joy of representing some fantastic clubs, all of whom have helped to shape me in their own varying way.
"Thank you to all of the fans and everybody connected with Norwich City, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Chelsea. Representing my country will always be one of my proudest achievements and I feel honoured to have played for England.
"Thank you to all of the managers, coaches and staff I've worked with and thank you to all of the teammates that I've shared a dressing room with over the years.
"Collectively we've shared some amazing times and I leave the game with memories that I'll always treasure."
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