Albion defender Kyle Bartley has today confirmed his retirement from professional football – bringing to an end a 16-year playing career.
The 34-year-old made 407 appearances and scored 27 goals during spells at Arsenal, Sheffield United, Rangers, Swansea, Birmingham, Leeds and the Baggies.
He arrived at The Hawthorns in July 2018 and played a leading role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in just his second campaign.
Bartley made 232 appearances for Albion, scoring 15 goals, during his seven years with the club.
He said: “I am fortunate to have represented some outstanding clubs during my career and Albion holds a particularly special place in my heart.
“Unfortunately, a knee injury I picked up during last season has led me to make the difficult decision to hang up my boots, despite my best efforts to rehabilitate from it.
“I consider myself incredibly lucky to have played the game I love, and it is the highs and lows of football that have helped make me the man I am today.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to all at the club for their support during my seven years here. The club is fortunate to have some outstanding people working at all levels and I’m lucky to have established some special friendships along the way.
“I’ll continue to support Ryan Mason and the lads and don’t plan on being a stranger at The Hawthorns – a special place that I will always be fond of.
“I’d also like to thank the fans for their amazing support throughout the years. My family, too, are now all fans, especially my two little girls and I’m hoping we will all be back very soon to say thank you for everything. This club will always be part of my life.”
Sporting Director Andrew Nestor added: “I’d like to thank Kyle for his efforts during his years at The Hawthorns.
“He helped lead the team both on and off the pitch – often by putting his body on the line in the heart of our defence.
“Making more than 200 appearances for one club is rare nowadays and we are grateful to Barts for his seven years’ service to Albion.
“I’m sure all associated with the football club will join me in wishing Kyle and his family all the very best for the future.”
