Former Premier League ace announces shock retirement despite smashing 24 goals for club owned by Neville and Giggs [Video]

MATT SMITH has announced his retirement from football.

The Salford City striker has hung up his boots despite scoring 24 goals last season.

Smith, 35, announced his decision on social media and admitted that he did so with a “heavy heart”.

He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement after over 600 games as a player at almost every level of the English pyramid.

“To enter the professional game so late at the age of 22 was really a dream come true and in truth I never ever thought imaginable.

“Fourteen seasons, 527 games and nearly 150 goals across the entire EFL for some truly incredible and historic clubs is a feat that leaves me filled with pride.”

Smith turned professional at the age of 22 and was a late bloomer.

During his career he featured for the likes of Oldham Athletic, Macclesfield Town, Leeds United, Fulham, Bristol City, Queens …