Bristol City’s King to retire at the end of the season

Bristol City midfielder Andy King is set to retire after the club’s final game of the season against Stoke, ending a 17-year playing career.

The Welsh joined the Robins in 2021 and was out of contract with the club this summer.

King won 50 career caps and was part of the Wales squad that reached the European Championship semi-final in 2016, with his last appearance coming in 2018.

The 35-year-old began his career at Chelsea before joining Leicester City in 2004, where he won the League One, Championship and Premier League titles – the first and only player to do so with the same team since the formation of the Premier League .

“I absolutely loved my three years here. It was an absolute honor to have played for this football club, which I spent many years watching, coming to games as a child,” said King, who grew up supporting the Robins, he said.

“To be able to put on the jersey and go out at Ashton Gate with my own family, my own children, is so special.

“I wanted my last game to be in a Bristol City shirt and I think this is the perfect way to go out.”

King made over 450 club appearances during his career, 379 of which were for Leicester.

He also had loan spells at Swansea, Derby, Rangers and Huddersfield before leaving Leicester in 2020 and having a short spell at Belgian side OH Leuven.

King has played 14 league games for the Robins this season, making just three appearances after facing a player-coach role last summer.

“He has had an incredible career and what he has achieved in the game is extraordinary,” said Bristol City manager Liam Manning.

“The impact he had on the dressing room and on the club’s young players is invaluable and his presence will be missed by everyone.”