Former Hibs CIS League Cup winner Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.
Fletcher who started his career at Hibs was linked with a return to Easter Road this summer but the move failed to happen.
He was one of the golden generation of youngsters who came through the ranks including Derek Riordan, Garry O’Connor, Ian Murray, Scott Brown, Steven Thomson and Steven Whittaker.
In 2007 he scored twice in Hibs 5-1 CIS League Cup final victory over Kilmarnock.
In total he played 189 times for Hibs having made his debut in a 3-0 home win over Kilmarnock under Bobby Williamson on 10 April 2004.
His first goal came six months later in a 2-0 home win over Dundee United. Shortly before leaving Hibs he scored the only goal in a derby victory at Easter Road.
He moved south to Burnley in 2009 and also turned out for Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City before returning to Scotland with Dundee United in 2022 then joining Wrexham.
The forward, who made 33 appearances for Scotland scoring 10-goals and was most recently at Wrexham, helping them secure back-to-back promotions to the Championship.
He made 749 club appearances, scoring 189 goals. Internationally, he found the net 10 times at senior level.
Fletcher said “every club has shaped me and given me memories I’ll never forget”.
He wrote on social media: “It’s not an easy decision because this game has been my life since I was a boy, but I know in my heart it’s the right moment to close this chapter,” he explained on Instagram.
“When I look back, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. I want to thank all the fans who supported me along the way, your passion and backing meant the world.
“Pulling on the Scotland shirt was also one of the greatest honours of my career.
“To represent my country and share the pitch with so many talented lads is something I’ll always treasure. Those moments stay with you forever.”
