Former Man United Defender John O

By Max Wise

Former Manchester United defender, John O’shea, will retire from football this weekend when current club, Reading, play their final game of the season.

O’shea, 38, came through the youth ranks of Manchester United and went on to make more than 250 appearances for the Old Trafford club between 1999 and 2011.

During his time at Old Trafford, O’shea demonstrated his versatility on numerous occasions, playing across the back four as well as central midfield, and even went in goal once when goalkeeper Edwin Van der Saar went off injured in a Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspurs in 2007.

"A fabulous playing career is coming to a close – today, on his 38th birthday, John O'Shea has announced he is to retire at the end of the season," Reading posted on Twitter.

"Just a very small part of his playing days have been spent with the Royals, but he has amassed a medal collection that any player would be extremely proud of, winning almost everything possible during almost 20 years as a professional footballer.

"And, off the pitch, one of the nicest, most humble and genuine people you'll meet in any walk of life. Happy birthday and thank you for all your efforts during your time at Madejski Stadium, John! We wish you well in the next chapter of your career!"

O’shea, who earned 118 caps for the Republic of Ireland, won the UEFA Champions League in 2008, five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.

“Everybody at the club would like to wish ‘Sheasy’ the very best in his retirement,” a Manchester United statement read.

O’shea joined Sunderland when he left Manchester United in 2011 before switching camp for Reading at the start of this season.