Former Burnley man pondering retirement after failing to secure summer move

Former Burnley man Jeff Hendrick is considering calling it a day, aged just 33.

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Fellow ex-Claret Erik Pieters was also released by the Rams during the summer.

The former Republic of Ireland international, who played for Burnley between 2016 and 2020, has since had interest in his services, but none that have persuaded him to sign on the dotted line.

"I'm still not too old," he told Virgin Media Sport. “[But] I think I’m done.

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"I made the decision with the teams that have been interested with me. They didn't suit me or my family life and I'm at the age where you want something that's a bit exciting to carry on enjoying playing, but that didn't come up at the moment so I'm just spending more time with my kids.

Hendrick in action for Derby back in April (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
Hendrick in action for Derby back in April (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

"I lived the dream for so long, but I missed out on a lot of things as well, but for me, you have to weigh up both options and see what is best suited for me and my family life.

"Unfortunately, where I'm living, there are a lot of top teams in the Premier League who are in my vicinity, and they don't want me."

Hendrick also began his career with Derby, making 214 appearances before signing for Burnley for a club record £10.5m fee.

The midfielder made over 100 appearances during his time at Turf Moor, scoring nine times, before making the move to Newcastle United four years later.

He failed to hold down a place at St James’ Park and was subsequently loaned out to QPR, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday, before making his return to Pride Park.

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