Former Southampton and Liverpool legendary England international midfielder Adam Lallana, announced his retirement on Wednesday through his official Instagram account, ending his 19-year glorious professional footballer career.

Lallana wrote in an official statement: "I am filled with gratitude and pride as I announce the end of my career."

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and support I have been given along the way. In such a journey, you are all people I owe so much to, I can't list them all, but please know how grateful I am. Without you, I would not be here today."

"Looking back on my career, it all started in the last century. It was incredible when I signed and joined the youth training system in 1999. Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realize that I am lucky to have been able to realize the dream shared by millions of people."

"Southampton...where it all started, and where it all ended appropriately. This is the club I ultimately owe everything to."

"Liverpool...the opportunity to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest awards in football."

"Brighton...the happiest time of my life. I've spent so much time here, the club is so connected to the community and the way it's run is so smart and modern."

"As for the England national team... every appearance for England means so much to me. It's been a huge honour to represent my country."

"I'm proud of my career and have never regretted it. I embrace all the highs and lows because they have shaped me into who I am today."

"Thank you to everyone who has made this journey so special, thank you to the staff at every club and institution, the coaches, my teammates and of course the fans - thank you."

"But most of all, thank you to my team... my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my parents and sister, thank you for your continued tolerance and support."

"Whatever the future holds, I'm looking forward to it. Sincerely, Adam."

It is reported that Lallana is about to become the technical director of the England U21s national team.

After the news of Lallana's retirement was made public, not only fans, but also his former clubs Southampton, Liverpool's Brighton, his former teammates including Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Rickie Lambert, John Terry and more, as well as his former head coach Jürgen Klopp sent messages to wish him well.

About Adam Lallana

The 37-year-old Lallana was born on May 30, 1988 in St. Albans, England. He is 1.72 meters tall and primarily plays as an attacking midfielder. He can also play as a left midfielder. He has dual citizenship of England and Spain.

Lallana joined Bournemouth's youth academy at a young age. At the age of 12, he transferred to Southampton's youth academy and completed his Southampton first-team debut in a Carabao Cup match in August 2006.

In October of the following year, Lallana was loaned-back to Bournemouth for a month to gain match experience.

After returning to the club following the end of his loan spell, Lallana officially became one of the undisputed key players in Southampton's first-team.

During the 8-year spell with the Saints, Lallana won the EFL Trophy once with the club, played in the Premier League for many years with the cluv, and broke the record to become the first midfielder to score 20 goals in a single season since club legend Matthew Le Tissier.

In July 2014, Lallana joined Liverpool for £25 million.

During his 6-year spell with the Reds, Lallana often scored in crucial moments, won the Premier League once, the Champions League once, the UEFA Super Cup once, and the FIFA Club World Cup once with the club, as well as reaching the UEFA Europa League final and the Carabao Cup final once each.

After leaving the club at the end of his contract in the summer of 2020, Lallana joined Brighton as a free agent. During which, he helped the Seagulls comeback and upset Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League.

Last summer, Lallana returned to Southampton as a free agent. Unfortunately, however, his career ended with relegation.

On the international level, Lallana has been a member of the England national team since November 2013 and played with the Three Lions in the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.