By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The former Birmingham City, Hall City, and Sierra Leone defender Curtis Davies has pronounced his withdrawal from football.

Davies, 39, who began his career at Wimbledon, made 686 first-team career appearances, including a three for England U21, and has finally hang up his boots.

On 5 June 2024, Davies scored his first Sierra Leone international goal in a 2–1 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win against Djibouti.

He was called up to the Sierra Leone national team squad for their friendly matches against Benin and Somalia in October 2023, at age 38, despite the age telling on him, he was able to display well.

“The day has finally come. After much deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to retire from football. Growing up as a kid, I simply wanted to be a footballer.

So, for me to have been able to play and score at Wembley, play 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 made my journey a very special one.” Davies announced his retirement on his Twitter page.

In 2005, Davies joined West Bromwich Albion, where he made 35 starts and scored two goals in his first season with Albion, which ended with the club being relegated to the Championship.

In July 2006, he signed a new four-year contract and was appointed captain permanently, having captained the team on several occasions during the previous season to become the club’s second-youngest captain of all time.

Davies had spells at Aston Villa, Leicester City, Hall City, and Cheltenham Town.