PETER Crouch has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

The popular forward, who finished his long and distinguished playing career at Burnley, announced his decision to hang up his boots on social media.

In a statement on Twitter, Crouch said: “After a lot of deliberation this summer I have decided to retire from football.

“Our wonderful game has given me everything. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long.

“If you told me at 17 I’d play in World Cups, get to a champions league final, win the FA Cup and get 100 Premier League goals I would have avoided you at all costs. It’s been an absolute dream come true.”

Crouch made his English league debut in 2000 with QPR and went on to play for nine clubs, including Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke, before spending the second half of last season at Burnley where he played five times.

The 6ft 7inch striker moved to Turf Moor during the January transfer window from Stoke City with Sam Vokes going in the oppposite direction.

Crouch’s first England cap came against Colombia in May 2005 and he played 42 times for the Three Lions, scoring 22 goals.

He won the FA Cup while with Liverpool and also helped the Reds reach the 2007 Champions League final.