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Former England striker Darius Vassell announces retirement

Former England and Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell has announced his retirement at the age of 35.

The Sutton Coldfield-born player, who had been without a club since 2012, earned 22 England caps, scoring six goals, during the reign of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He had spells with Manchester City, Turkish side Ankaragucu and Leicester after leaving Villa in 2005.

In a statement released by his management company, Oporto Sports, Vassell said: "I have enjoyed my career in football playing at the highest level, doing something I genuinely loved, and I felt that now was the right time to announce my retirement and look to the next phase of my life."

He will write a book about his career, Vassell said.

Vassell played at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. England reached the quarterfinals of the latter tournament before losing in a penalty shootout to hosts Portugal, with Vassell seeing his spot kick saved by future Leicester teammate Ricardo.