Phil Neville retires from football

Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Phil Neville has announced his retirement from football.

Neville announced in April that he was to leave the Toffees and he has now gone a step further by stepping down from the game altogether.

"I was speaking to Robbie Fowler about this the other week and he hasn't officially retired," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"Three weeks ago, everyone in the world seemed to be retiring. I thought 'I'm not jumping on this bandwagon'. I just wanted it to be a smooth, quiet turnover. I didn't want that.

"In my heart, I knew that I wouldn't be playing again - at any level. I just wanted to drift away. The biggest thing I will miss is July 4 when Everton are due back for pre-season training. I loved that day. I lived for it, getting back with the lads. I do enjoy the media side but I want to work, I want to coach, I want to get more hours on the grass."

Neville played 59 times for England during his career.