Crystal Palace player James Tomkins announces retirement

Crystal Palace player James Tomkins has announced that he will retire from professional football. The former West Ham United and Derby County centre-back joined Crystal Palace in 2016 and made 136 appearances in all competitions over eight seasons.  

This included 30 games in the 2018-19 season, when James Tomkins helped the club to joint-top of the Premier League table. The defender also scored 10 goals for the club, most impressively against Brighton at Selhurst Park.  

James Tomkins wrote on social media: "Thank you very much to my family. Thank you for their continued support, which has enabled me to realize my dreams in my career. In addition, I am also grateful to all the excellent coaches and players I have worked with in my career."  

"I have been lucky enough to play for three clubs, all with great fans who make football what it is. I will miss the game dearly but now is the right time to retire."

Crystal Palace also publicly wished James Tomkin a happy retirement and all the best in the next chapter of his life on social media.