Matt Smith, a former striker for Millwall, QPR, and Leeds United, has declared his retirement from the game on X.
After parting ways with League Two side Salford City at the end of the previous campaign, the forward has been considering his options. At the age of 35, he has now made the decision to put up his boots.
Birmingham native Smith played in the league for nearly 600 games before deciding to end his playing career.
“After playing at nearly every level of the English pyramid for over 600 games, I announce my retirement with heavy heart,” he wrote on X. It was truly a dream come true for me to join the professional game at the age of 22, something I could never have imagined.
“I’m proud of the accomplishment—fourteen seasons, 527 games, and almost 150 goals for some incredibly amazing and historic clubs throughout the entire EFL.”
Former Millwall, QPR, and Leeds United player retires
Before gaining his chance in the Football League with Oldham Athletic in 2011, Smith began his career in non-league football, spending time at Evesham Town, Cheltenham Town, New Mills, Redditch United, Droylsden, and Solihull Moors.
Two years later, Leeds United pounced to recruit him, and he went on to make 48 appearances in all competitions for the Whites, scoring 14 goals.
The forward was drawn to Fulham in 2014, and he played for the club for three years, spending a portion of that time on loan at Bristol City.
Smith first connected with QPR in 2016 and scored 23 goals in 102 games for the Hoops, 21 of which occurred during the Championship.
After that, he transferred to Millwall, his third London team, where he played for three years, scoring 21 goals in 102 games.
He was signed by Salford City several years ago, and he has been playing for the fourth division team ever since.
Smith has contributed 44 goals in 119 games and been a vital member of the Ammies squad. But he retired after his contract ended in late June.
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