Former Bluebird Lambert calls full-time on his career

ORMER Cardiff City striker Rickie Lambert has announced his retirement from football, writes Dominic Booth.

Lambert brings to an end a career that spanned 19 years and nine clubs, with the Bluebirds the last stopping post for the journeyman striker who graduated through the Blackpool academy.

He made 19 appearances for Cardiff in all competitions after arriving on deadline day in August 2016, scoring four goals.

Lambert also won seven England caps and played for Bristol Rovers, Rochdale and Southampton before earning a big move to Liverpool.

He arrived at Cardiff via West Brom but injuries and a lack of match fitness blighted his time in South Wales and he was quickly surpassed by striker Kenneth Zohore in Neil Warnock’s plans.

It was thought Lambert would continue playing, having been linked with a host of League One clubs following the mutual termination of his Cardiff contract in June. But he now brings his career to a close.

A statement released by the striker said: “I feel lucky to have been involved in this sport for as long as I have. I have had some ups and downs in my career but to have represented clubs like Southampton, Liverpool and playing for my country in a World Cup were beyond my wildest dreams.

“I would like to thank the fans of all the clubs I have for but especially at Southampton where I enjoyed my best years as a footballer and had a special relationship with everyone connected to the club.

“I will be taking a break for a while to spend some quality time with my family, just being a husband and father.

“In the future I hope to give back as best I can to the game that has given me so much.”