THAT'S SAL FOLKS
Former Premier League ace announces shock retirement despite smashing 24 goals for club owned by Neville and Giggs
Smith penned an emotional letter to Salford fans
MATT SMITH has announced his retirement from football.
The Salford City striker has hung up his boots despite scoring 24 goals last season.
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Smith, 35, announced his decision on social media and admitted that he did so with a "heavy heart".
He wrote: ";It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement after over 600 games as a player at almost every level of the English pyramid.
"To enter the professional game so late at the age of 22 was really a dream come true and in truth I never ever thought imaginable.
"Fourteen seasons, 527 games and nearly 150 goals across the entire EFL for some truly incredible and historic clubs is a feat that leaves me filled with pride."
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Smith turned professional at the age of 22 and was a late bloomer.
During his career he featured for the likes of Oldham Athletic, Macclesfield Town, Leeds United, Fulham, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Salford.
His best moment came when he netted a brace against Liverpool as Oldham knocked out the Reds out of the FA Cup in 2013.
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Smith is the son-in-law of former Newcastle and Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.
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He had received offers to continue his career but opted to call time on playing.
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Smith's farwell to Salford
Here is Matt Smith's full farewell to Salford City
My time at Salford City has come to an end.
Whilst I write this with a heavy heart, I’ll always be so grateful to everyone at the club, none more so than you, the fans, for your incredible support over the last three years. The reception that I received on Saturday will stay with me forever.
I’m so sorry I couldn’t help us to achieve that promotion which was my ultimate aim when I signed. To come so close last season was a huge blow to me personally.
Despite this, to leave as the club’s all-time leading scorer in the EFL, the third-highest scorer in the country right now, divisional team of the season, and your player of the year makes me very proud and it’s been an absolute joy to work with such a great group of coaches and players.
A special thanks must go to the owners, especially Gary, Ryan, Nicky and Scholesy for their continued guidance.
I’m going to take some time now to consider my next step, which includes opportunities away from playing.
Until next time,
Matt Smith
... again
Salford posted their own statement to thank Smith for his contribution to the team.
It read: "On behalf of everybody at the club, thank you Smudge for everything that you have done and for being such a great role model and person.
"We wish you and your family all the best for whatever comes next!"
The club has multiple links to Manchester United's Class of 92.
It is is co-owned by former football players Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, and Singaporean businessman Peter Lim, who has a majority share in the team.
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