NewsRagnar Klavan announces retirement from football

Signed in 2016 from Augsburg, the Estonian went on to make 53 appearances for the Reds and score two goals, helping the club secure a return to Champions League qualification during his first season.

A popular figure with teammates and fans alike, Klavan featured eight times in the subsequent European Cup run of 2017-18 as Liverpool finished runners-up after defeat by Real Madrid in the Kyiv final.

That campaign also saw the centre-back produce a memorable stoppage-time winner at Burnley in the Premier League on New Year’s Day.

He bid farewell to the Reds by completing a permanent transfer to Cagliari in the summer of 2018.

Across a playing career of almost a quarter-century, Klavan also represented Elva, Viljandi Tulevik, Flora, Valerenga, Heracles Almelo, AZ Alkmaar, Paide Linnameeskond and finally Tallinna Kalev.

He totalled 130 international games for Estonia.

“Today, I’ll say goodbye to my first love,” said Klavan. “It’s time to put an end to the journey I began at the age of 15 and will conclude a 24-year career as a professional footballer.

“I want to thank you - dear football fans - for being with me throughout this time!”

Within an emotional statement posted to social media, which can be seen below, Klavan said: “At 13, my dream was to reach the top tier of English football and the Premier League.

“Yes - it took 17 years, but I achieved it (!), and as a cherry on top, of course, playing for Liverpool.”

Everybody at Liverpool FC wishes Ragnar all the best for the future.