Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones has today announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.
The former Australia international made a total of 27 appearances for the Reds between joining in 2010 and departing in 2015, keeping a total of eight clean sheets.
Jones' first Premier League appearance arrived in memorable circumstances during the 2011/12 season, brought on in an away game at Blackburn Rovers when Doni was sent off after conceding a penalty. The shot-stopper pointed to the sky after saving Yakubu's spot-kick in tribute to his son Luca, who sadly lost his battle with leukaemia aged five.
READ MORE: Inside story of Roberto Firmino's private Liverpool farewell party
READ MORE: Every word of expert explanation over 'deliberate play' VAR controversy
"Luca is with me every day," stated Jones. "His picture is in my wash-bag, his toys are in my travel-bag. I take him everywhere. In that sense, I’ve definitely got someone watching over me. It was nice to save the penalty as it has been a difficult time with losing my son. Maybe he gave me that good fortune."
Jones would remain stuck behind Pepe Reina, and later Simon Mignolet, in the goalkeeping pecking order at the club and left Liverpool to sign for Bradford City in 2015. He then spent two years in the Eredivisie at NEC and Feyenoord and three years in Saudi Arabia before returning home to join his final club, Perth Glory.
Commenting on his decision to walk away from the game, the 2012 League Cup winner with the Reds tweeted: "The time has come to hang up my gloves and bring to an end this long journey that has taken me all over the world for the last 25yrs doing what I could only dream of as a young boy in Perth.
"I've had the privilege to play alongside some of the best players in the world and work with some fantastic coaches that have helped me along the way. To the fans of my former clubs, I thank you for your support. To the fans of my former clubs, I thank you for your support. It is amazing to think that I have been apart of some historic moments for some of them.
"I have to thank my wife Dani, who has had to make many sacrifices, moving wherever my career took us. And also my 3 children who have now lived in 4 countries and have always adapted and made the decisions to move so much easier. Unfortunately, my time at Perth Glory was disrupted with niggles and what was originally thought to be a fairly small injury has now kept me out for over a year, and ultimately put an end to my playing days. I hope to continue to stay involved in football in some capacity in the future and continue to part of the beautiful game."
READ NEXT:
Join our Liverpool transfer news and top stories WhatsApp community
Real Madrid 'lining up' Andy Robertson move as Liverpool 'name their price'
Arthur sends two-word message after Klopp admission ahead of final Liverpool chance
Liverpool get major Alexis Mac Allister transfer boost as 'secret' weapon becomes clear
- Liverpool's dream line-up next season with Alexis Mac Allister and two other signings
