Former Clarets skipper Caldwell retires

The 34-year-old has announced he is to hang up his boots after 17 years as a professional, and will now take over as Director of Corporate Development with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, who boast his last club Toronto FC of the MLS, as a major franchise.

Caldwell held aloft the play-off winners’ trophy in 2009 when Burnley beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to win promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

He made 119 appearances in total for Burnley, scoring five goals, after signing from Sunderland for an initial £200,000 before joining Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2010

Caldwell said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from the game I love.

“Football has been my life since a very young age and I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had to live out my dreams.

“I would like to thank all my teammates and coaches I’ve learnt from along the way, creating friendships and bonds that will last forever.

“To all the magnificent clubs, it was an honour to represent you both home and away.

“I hope the fans appreciated the pride I felt putting on their jersey.”