FORMER Sunderland favourite Aiden McGeady has announced his retirement from football.

The 38-year-old has called time on his playing days two weeks after leaving Scottish side Ayr United, bringing an end to a career that lasted more than two decades.

McGeady started his career with Celtic, winning four league titles and two Scottish Cups with the Glasgow club, and also spent time at Spartak Moscow, Everton, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston prior to moving to Sunderland in the summer of 2017.

He spent five seasons with the Black Cats, making 150 senior appearances in all competitions and scoring 36.

A hugely-talented winger, McGeady enjoyed a series of highs and lows during his time on Wearside.

His first season as a Sunderland player ended in relegation, and he was briefly frozen out of the first-team picture and forced to train with the Under-21s under Phil Parkinson, resulting in a loan move to Charlton Athletic.

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However, he was restored to Sunderland’s first-team ranks under Lee Johnson and was a member of the side that lifted the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley in 2021, beating Tranmere Rovers in the final.

McGeady’s final season as a Black Cats player coincided with the club’s promotion back to the Championship via the League One play-off final, although he was an unused substitute in the win over Wycombe at Wembley.

He left Sunderland at the end of the 2021-22 season, and spent time with Hibernian and Ayr prior to announcing his retirement.

McGeady was a regular with the Republic of Ireland during much of his career, winning 95 senior international caps and scoring five goals.

Announcing his retirement, McGeady said: “After much thought and consideration, I've decided to announce my retirement from professional football.

"Football has given me so much and getting to play the game I loved at the top level is the stuff dreams are made of. I truly lived that dream every day on the pitch.

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“There are so many memories, too many to mention but getting to pull on the famous green and white Celtic jersey, the team I supported, was extremely special.

“Playing in the Champions League and individual honours I received there in front of those amazing fans are some of the most memorable moments of my life.

"I've been lucky enough to play for so many great teams in England, Scotland, Russia, brilliant memories at the best clubs.

"I will never forget the magical times representing Ireland for 13 years and getting to the Euros in the process. I have made lifelong friends in football, played with some world class team-mates along the way.

"I'd like to thank all the managers, coaching staff and backroom staff that helped guide me through the good and bad times. From the start of my career as a boy, to the very end of it, thank you for the support.

“An extra-special thank you to my loving family, friends, and advisers who have been with me on this journey every step of the way.

"To the fans and everyone who played a part in my footballing story, I won't forget you. This part of my journey may be at the end, but I'm looking forward to the future. Thank you football.”