Former Crystal Palace hotshot Glenn Murray announces retirement

Former Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray has announced his retirement from football.

The 37-year-old signed for Nottingham Forest in February on a short-term deal but was released at the end of the season.

Murray signed for the Eagles in 2011 from Brighton and Hove Albion and went on to make 125 appearances and scored 47 goals for the South London club.

Speaking to Crystal Palace’s official club website, Murray said: “I just sat down with my family and felt as though the time was right. The last two years haven’t been particularly good ones, especially without the fans as well, that’s added into the mix.

“The first year at Palace, I found really difficult. After that, the following three or four years were good, even though I had an ACL injury in there, which was probably the lowest point of my career.

“All I can remember from Palace are good times and great people, the fans, the managers. I just thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club.”

During the 2012-13 season, Murray scored 30 goals in 42 league games, which helped Crystal Palace’s promotion to the Premier League.

“The whole season, the atmosphere, the group, it was just an amazing season. Once in a lifetime for me, a 30-goal season for a striker. I don’t think they come around very often unless you’re the very, very best.

“For me it was magical on that part, but also the group that I did it with and the achievement we made together.

“My job was made much easier by having Wilfried [Zaha] and Yannick [Bolasie] on the other side who created a lot of opportunities for me. They made me look good, but it was such an enjoyable time to play there.

“I suppose the club were off the back of some bad times –  through administration, and was a little lost and maybe a little bit neglected. Then to be part of that group, at the beginning of what Crystal Palace has become now, has such a place in my memory and career.”