Scotland hero Steven Fletcher retires from football after 21-year career

STEVEN FLETCHER says representing Scotland is one of the greatest honours of his career after announcing his retirement from football.

The 38-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Wrexham in May, released a heartfelt post confirming the news on social media on Monday.

3 Steven Fletcher celebrates with James Forrest Credit: Reuters

3 Steven Fletcher broke through at Hibs Credit: Reuters

3 Fletcher won back to back promotions with Wrexham before hanging up his boots Credit: Getty

Fletcher, who started out at Hibs , was linked with a return to Easter Road this summer but a move never happened.

The striker played more than 750 games and scored 190 goals in his club career.

He explained that while football has been his life since childhood it's now the right time to close this chapter of his life.

Fletcher posted on Instagram : "When I look back, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude.

"From starting out at Hibs to the journeys with Burnley. Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Dundee United and finishing at Wrexham every club has shaped me and given me memories I'll never forget.

"I want to thank all the fans who supported me along the way your passion and backing meant the world."

Fletcher earned 33 caps for Scotland and became the fifth player to score more than one hat-trick for the Scots after goals against Gibraltar .

He said: "Pulling on the Scotland shirt was also one of the greatest honours of my career.

"To represent my country and share the pitch with so many talented lads is something I'll always treasure.

"Those moments stay with you forever."

Fletcher won the League Cup with Hibs in 2007, netting two goals in a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock . He then moved to Burnley in 2009 before they were relegated from the Premier League and he joined Wolves the following summer .

Wolves accepted a £12million offer from Sunderland in 2012 for his services.

He was there until 2016 when he joined Ligue 1 side Marseille on loan in February where he was a runner up in the Coupe de France .

Further spells followed at Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City before he returned to Scotland to play for Dundee United , but he left the club following their relegation to the Scottish Championship in 2023.

Fletcher then signed for Wrexham where he would help them to back to back promotions from League Two to the Championship , but he was released in the summer by the club owned by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

He added: " Football has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and I step away with a full heart, proud of what I’ve achieved, and excited for whatever comes next .

"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has been part of my journey."

A number of Fletcher's former teammates congratulated him on his career.

John McGinn said: "What a guy."

Kevin Thomson added: "What a player. Enjoy mate. We will see you on the Tour soon!"

Barry Douglas responded: "What a career my man!"

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