Former Fulham man announces retirement from the game aged 37

Former Fulham playmaker Bryan Ruiz has announced his retirement from football. The 37-year-old has decided to call time on his playing career.

He has taken to Twitter to post the following message to his supporters (see below). He has recently been away with Costa Rica at the World Cup but has now hung up his boots after the tournament.

Fulham swooped to sign Ruiz back in August 2011 on the final day of the transfer window and he spent four years with the London club. They were in the Premier League during his first two-and-a-half years at Craven Cottage but were relegated to the Championship during his loan spell away at PSV.

Nevertheless, he ended up staying for another year in the second tier when he returned. The San Jose-born man went on to make 108 appearances for the Cottagers in the end and chipped in with 13 goals.

Since leaving England permanently back in 2015, the former FC Twente and Gent star has since had spells at Sporting Lisbon, Santos and Alajuelense. He now has a decision to make on what direction to take now after coming to the decision to end his playing days.

Fulham are preparing for their return to Premier League action following the World Cup. First up for Marco Silva’s side is an away trip to Crystal Palace at Boxing Day as they look to recapture their form.