Former Sierra Leone international defender Curtis Davies has officially announced his retirement from both club and international football at the age of 39.
In a heartfelt post shared on X, Davies expressed, “The day has finally come… After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football.”
Reflecting on his career, Davies said, “Growing up as a kid I simply wanted to be a footballer. So to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play in the Premier League, and represent both England U21 and Sierra Leone during my 23 years truly was a dream come true. There have been plenty of ups and maybe even more downs, but all combined it made my journey a very special one.”
He extended his gratitude to his teammates, managers, coaches, and fans, saying, “I’d like to thank all my teammates, managers, coaches, and the fans I’ve had the pleasure of being amongst throughout the years. Also the kit men, tea ladies, canteen staff, media teams, secretaries, groundsmen…EVERYONE that took me into their family at each club.” Davies also gave special thanks to his family, highlighting the support of his father, wife, and kids.
Davies scored his first international goal for Sierra Leone in a 2-1 victory over Djibouti in June, securing the team’s first win in Group A.
He made his debut for the Leone Stars in October last year and earned his second cap in a 2-0 friendly victory over Somalia.
During his career, Davies played in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, and Hull City, notably scoring in the FA Cup final against Arsenal in 2014. He spent six seasons at Derby County before joining Cheltenham last summer, making 37 League One appearances and scoring a memorable winner against Burton Albion.
After leaving Cheltenham following the club’s relegation to League Two, former manager Darrell Clarke had anticipated Davies’ retirement.
Davies’ career stats include:
– Luton FC: 62 appearances, 2 goals
– West Bromwich Albion: 73 appearances, 2 goals
– Aston Villa: 68 appearances, 3 goals
– Leicester City: 12 appearances
– Birmingham City FC: 106 appearances, 12 goals
– Hull City FC: 144 appearances, 7 goals
– Derby County FC: 175 appearances, 5 goals
– Southport FC: 39 appearances, 1 goal
– England U21: 3 appearances
– Sierra Leone: 3 appearances, 1 goal
