He played a part in a Norwich City promotion - and is now retiring
Nigel Worthington with new loan signings Peter Crouch and Darren Huckerby in 2003 Picture: Archant - Credit: Eastern Daily Press ©2003
Former Norwich City loan striker Peter Crouch has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.
Peter Crouch in action for Norwich City against Crystal Palace. in September 2003 Picture: Archant - Credit: EDP / Archant 2003
Crouch was signed by Nigel Worthington in September, 2003, on a three-month loan from Aston Villa.
Famously, he was unveiled alongside another loan signing, Darren Huckerby - and his contribution of four goals in 15 loan appearances played a part as the Canaries won the old First Division titke.
At the time, Crouch said: "I am really excited to get the chance to start playing first team football again. I know Norwich are an ambitious club looking to improve on last season and I obviously hope to help them do that. Nigel is doing a good job and it was definitely the right decision for me to join the club. After I had spoken to him my mind was made up as what he said about the club sounded exactly what I was after. I have obviously watched Norwich on the TV and I liked the way they play, it's very similar to the way I play football."
Crouch made his English league debut in 2000 while at QPR and went on to play for nine clubs, including Liverpool, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Stoke before spending the second half of last season at Burnley.
Peter Crouch climbing above team-mate Craig Fleming during a game against Burnley at Carrow Road Picture: Archant - Credit: Eastern Daily Press ©2003
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He made his England debut against Colombia in May 2005 and went on to play 42 times for the Three Lions, scoring 22 goals.
He confirmed his retirement on Twitter, writing: "After a lot of deliberation this summer I have decided to retire from football! Our wonderful game has given me everything.
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"I'm so thankful to everyone who helped me get there and to help me stay there for so long.
"If you told me at 17 I'd play in World Cups, get to a Champions League final, win the FA Cup and get 100 @premierleague goals I would have avoided you at all costs.
"It's been an absolute dream come true."
Former England striker Alan Shearer wrote on Twitter: "Congrats big man, a brilliant career and good luck going forward."
Current England players Harry Maguire and Jack Butland, a team-mate of Crouch's during his time at Stoke, also paid tribute to the striker. Maguire wrote: "Incredible career. Enjoy retirement."
Butland added: "Been an honour to play and share a dressing room with you big man @petercrouch best of luck in the next stage of your career."
Crouch scored 108 top-flight goals in 468 appearances for seven different clubs and also holds the record for the most headed goals in Premier League history.
He played at the 2006 World Cup and scored his first competitive goal for England during a 2-0 group-stage victory against Trinidad and Tobago. He was also selected for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
