Monday 13 May 2019 10:40, UK
Peter Crouch has admitted he is considering retirement after a substitute appearance in Burnley's final game of the season against Arsenal.
The 38-year-old former England striker joined the Clarets on a short-term deal from Stoke in January but did not start a game or score a goal - and missed nearly two months following appendix surgery in March.
He returned at Turf Moor on Sunday and came on for the final 13 minutes of the 3-1 defeat.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has spoken very positively about Crouch's impact on and off the pitch, and a new deal could be offered, but first the forward must decide whether he wants to carry on.
Crouch said: "Everyone I've spoken to who's fit and retired has regretted it, and everyone who has retired has told me to play on as long as I can.
"I don't know, I've had a great time. I know if I chose to play on I could, because I feel fit, I train every day and, touch wood, I haven't had many injuries.
"But do I want to?
"There are other things I could do and I'm quite enjoying as well. I'm going to sit down with the family and probably get told what to do.
"I've been playing every day for 23 years. It's a long time and to wake up one morning and not have it will be hard."
Crouch has forged a successful career in the media alongside playing, while his wife Abbey Clancy is due to give birth to their fourth child in the next few weeks.
Dyche said: "I chatted with him the other day.
"It's not just my decision. At his age, and his intention, does he want to carry on?
"I've never been bothered by age, it's 'have you got that edge to your game?' And I think he showed he has.
"He's been very unfortunate."
