Michael Carrick has confirmed that he will retire from football this summer and is set to take up a coaching role at Manchester United.
The 36-year-old midfielder has made only four appearances so far this season and underwent a minor operation in October to correct an irregular heartbeat.
Carrick is contention to play against Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night with Paul Pogba once again doubtful with a cut on his leg.
Michael Carrick has confirmed that he will retire from football at the end of the season
The former England international made the announcement at his press conference on Monday
Manager Jose Mourinho has already said Carrick has been invited to join his coaching staff at the end of the season and the former England midfielder confirmed on Monday he will end a playing career spanning 19 years with West Ham, Tottenham and United.
‘There comes a time, whether you like it or you don’t like it, that your body tells you it is time to stop playing football,’ he said. ‘That’s pretty much where I’m at. It’s something that you have got to accept.’
Asked if he will join the coaching staff, Carrick added: ‘It’s kind of been sorted out, but we’re still talking about it so there is nothing to totally confirm yet. It’s looking likely.’
The United midfielder is set to join the club’s coaching staff, which he said is ‘looking likely’
Manager Jose Mourinho confirmed that United have offered Carrick a coaching position
The 36-year-old was treated earlier this season for an irregular heart rhythm
Carrick underwent minor heart surgery after feeling sick and dizzy in a Carabao Cup tie
Carrick felt sick and dizzy after playing in an EFL Cup tie against Burton Albion in September. His absence was unexplained for two months before he responded to speculation by revealing he had undergone minor heart surgery.
He recalled: ‘I had a problem during the Burton game during the second half. I had a few tests after that and the same problem came back on the Sunday of that week in training.
‘I had the procedure the following week. It took a little while to get over. There were some times there, two or three days, when I wondered whether I would carry on playing or not. Is it worth it or not?
‘But that quickly passed and I got back fit. I wanted to finish on my own terms so I was determined to get back fit. I’ve been training hard and we’ll see what happens for the rest of the season.’
Carrick calls time on a 19-year career where he played for United, Tottenham and West Ham
The midfielder has vowed to maintain his fitness for any occasion he is called upon
‘Between now and the end of the season I’ll keep myself fit and ready. You never know when you are going to be needed. Hopefully I can get some game time between now and the end of the season. I still see myself as a player for now anyway. I’m still enjoying training and being out there with the boys.’
Asked if he gets emotional at the prospect of quitting, Carrick added: ‘No, not really, to be honest. It is what it is. You’ve got to be quite comfortable with the situation. I don’t really think too much about it.
‘I think when I played at Newcastle the other week it was probably a bit more emotional for my parents, seeing my mum after the game.
Despite his lengthy career, Carrick does not feel emotional about his announcement
‘It’s not something I’ve thought of. I’m just thinking about enjoying the rest of the season and playing as much as I can. I hope tomorrow is not the last Champions League one by a long stretch. But there is no point thinking about it before the game.
‘I’d like to be remembered as someone who tried to do things the right way and tried to work for the team. Being remembered as a team player is important, and I can look at it and say I’ve given it my best.
‘I’ve tried all sorts of different things to bring the best out of me over the years and given my best to ensure I have no regrets.’