Forgotten Man City cult hero - who earned £7million and played just TWICE for club - announces retirement at age of 40

Scott Carson, one of English football's mainstays for the past two decades, has announced his retirement aged 40.

He has been congratulated by the great and good of the English game after a diverse career which saw him rack up 526 games for club and country. 

The former Manchester City and Liverpool star scooped up two Champions League medals and also represented England four times, travelling to the 2006 World Cup.

Carson wrote on Instagram: 'After an incredible journey between the posts, it’s time to hang up the gloves. 

'Football has given me everything — memories, friendships, and moments I’ll never forget. 

'Thank you to every teammate, coach, fan, and club that’s been part of my the ride. It’s been an honour.'

Carson left Manchester City in the summer after a six-year stint as their reserve goalkeeper. 

He only played two games for the club but was vaunted as an influential character behind the scenes by manager Pep Guardiola. 

Carson gained cult hero status despite making just two appearances; one against Newcastle in 2021, when he played his first Premier League game in a decade after City had clinched the title; another against Sporting Lisbon off the bench in the Champions League in 2022, shepherding them to a clean sheet. 

While he didn't play much, he was important in helping Ederson to prepare for matchdays and helping him settle in. 

'When I first came in, his English wasn’t great but we used to communicate with each other even without a conversation,' Carson told the club's website recently. 

'I’d laugh at him and he’d laugh at me! I was there for him if he needed me and I hope I did help him in some way for the years he was here.'

More to follow.