Craig Cathcart: Northern Ireland and KV Kortrijk defender Cathcart retires at 34
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Craig Cathcart celebrates scoring for Northern Ireland against Wales in Cardiff in 2016
Northern Ireland defender Craig Cathcart has said his decision to retire from football at the age of 34 "was not an easy choice".
Cathcart made his Northern Ireland debut in 2010 and won 73 caps.
After his nine-year stay at Watford came to an end, he signed for KV Kortrijk in Belgium but ended his contract by mutual consent.
"I can no longer ignore the fact that my enthusiasm and motivation to play the game is not what it was," he said.
In an open letter to Northern Ireland supporters, Cathcart added that representing his country "was always an experience I treasured".
"From winning my first cap against Slovenia in 2010 to the career high of competing at the Euros in 2016, it has been an honour and a privilege to wear the green jersey in front of, to my mind, the best fans in the world," he said.
"I consider myself incredibly privileged to have had an 18-year career in football, filled with fantastic experiences at both club and international level.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped and supported me throughout this journey.
"I have formed lifelong friendships and created unforgettable memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart."
Cathcart started his career at Manchester United but did not make a competitive first-team appearance before moving to Blackpool in 2010.
He won promotion to the Premier League with Watford in 2015 and 2021 and started the FA Cup final in 2019.
The central defender, who also made his international debut against Slovenia in 2010, scored two goals for Northern Ireland and made his last NI appearance against Slovenia on 7 September.
Cathcart captained Northern Ireland during the Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland in March.
He was injured in the 4-2 defeat by Slovenia and subsequently ruled out of the Group H game against Kazakhstan three days later.
Cathcart joined KV Kortrijk on a one-year contract following his release by Watford at the end of last season.
He had a loan spell at Royal Antwerp in Belgium in the 2007-08 season during his time at Manchester United.