Leeds legend Ian Harte has retired from football following his release from Bournemouth

Leeds United and Republic of Ireland legend Ian Harte has retired from football

LEEDS UNITED and Republic of Ireland legend Ian Harte believes he has gone 'out on a high' after calling time on his two-decade long career following his release from Bournemouth at the end of last season.

 

The 37-year-old, who spent two seasons at the Cherries, helped win them promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club's history.

Despite receiving offers from other clubs, the full-back decided to 'hang up the boots' to conclude a lengthy career. 

 

The time has come to hang the boots up. I have had over 20 years playing football and loved every minute of it!!! Now to the next chapter 👍🏻

— Ian Harte (@ianharte23) August 27, 2015

"After playing for over 20 years it is time to hang up the boots and retire, he told Talksport.

"I've had offers from a few clubs in the Championship and League One but I thought I would rather go out on a high."

Harte started his career at Leeds in the 1995-96 season and went onto secure a third place finish in the Premier league in 1999-00, before reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League the following year. 

He left Elland Road to join Levante in 2004 after Leeds were relegated. He spent three seasons in Spain before returning to England where he played for Sunderland, Blackpool, Carlisle United, Reading and finally Bournemouth. 

 

Harte also featured regularly on the international scene, winning 63 caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring 12 times and starting every game in their 2002 World Cup campaign - where they eventually lost to Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw. 

The former left-back, who also guided Reading back to the Premier League in the 2011-12 season, revealed that he would not be considering a move into coaching as he wants to spend more time with his family. 

"[Bournemouth boss] Eddie Howe and [his assistant] Jason Tindall were there [at Bournemouth's training ground] around about 7 o'clock every morning and left at about 6 in the evening,' Harte added. 

'I have got a young family and want to watch them grow up.' 

Harte also took to Twitter to express his excitement for the future: "The time has come to hand the boots up. I have had over 20 years playing football and loved every minute of it!!! Now to the next chapter."