David Bentley retires: Former Arsenal, Blackburn and Tottenham winger breaks down in tears live on TV after announcing retirement

Bentley, 29, called time on his career on Sky Sports News

Tom Sheen
Friday 13 June 2014 06:35 EDT
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David Bentley has announced his retirement from football aged just 29
David Bentley has announced his retirement from football aged just 29 (Getty Images)

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David Bentley has announced he is to retire from football aged just 29.

The former winger, who earned seven England caps between 2007 and 2008, broke down in tears live on Sky Sports when calling an end to his 12-year career.

Bentley admitted he had fallen out of love with the game, which had become "a bit boring" to the former Arsenal, Blackburn and Tottenham man.

"No regrets, I've enjoyed every moment of it with a smile on my face," he said. "The game's changed a lot. It's different. When I first started it was enjoyment.

"Now it's a little bit robotic, the social media side of things... it's made it boring.

"It made it calculated. To sign another three or four years into that... it's not really an option for me. It's gone a little bit sour for me."

Bentley, once tipped to be David Beckham's replacement in the England side, cost Spurs £15m in 2008 but despite a memorable goal in the north London derby, his form quickly suffered and he was linked with an exit from White Hart Lane in just a year.

Bentley has not played a game since 2013 but admits he has no regrets about his career.

"Life's full of ifs and buts, but I'm happy with the way my career went. There were some highs and some lows."

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