Injured Shearer confirms retirement

Newcastle captain Alan Shearer admits his career has been ended by a knee injury sustained during last Monday's 4-1 win at Sunderland.

The former England striker had planned to retire at the end of the season but will miss Newcastle's last three league games due to a medial ligament tear.

Shearer, 35, was injured in a challenge by Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca at the Stadium of Light having scored from the penalty spot.

"That's it. It's all over," Shearer told The Sun. "There's a tear in the medial ligament which, although it does not require an operation, means I will be in a knee brace for a few weeks.

"Deep down I knew when I limped out of the Stadium of Light that it was probably the end and I think the fans knew it as well. They know I don't stay down unless I'm badly hurt. It's disappointing, but I've got no regrets. I've had a great career."

Shearer scored his 201st goal for Newcastle at home to Portsmouth in February to break the legendary Jackie Milburn's record and become top goalscorer in the club's history.

He could have joined Manchester United when he switched from Blackburn to Newcastle for a then world record £15million in 1996, and did not win any silverware at St James' Park.

But he said: "My dream as a kid was to play for Newcastle United and to score goals at St James' Park. It doesn't matter that I didn't win a trophy because I did it my way and I lived the dream.

"Unless you come from the area you wouldn't understand that mentality. Playing for the club is everything. I broke Jackie's record and no-one can take that away from me. I've never had any regrets.

"I am finished now and I have great memories. The fact I won't be able to play the last three games is disappointing but I'm not complaining. How could I?"