Wycombe Wanderers have confirmed that club captain Matt Bloomfield has announced his retirement from professional football on medical grounds. 

The 37-year-old (who turns 38 on February 8) has been with the club since December 2003 and has gone on to play 558 games for the Chairboys, scoring 42 goals in that time.

The midfielder’s decision to hang up his boots was heavily recommended by medical experts following a serious concussion suffered in his last appearance for the club in August 2021, in a League Cup fixture at Exeter City, which Wanderers won on penalties.

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On his decision to hang up his boots more than 18 years after signing for the club, he said: “I have sought the opinion of medical experts who have advised me that I can no longer play the game that I love.

"I was desperate to keep playing, and I’m still not sure I have come to terms with it. However, I know that I have so much to be thankful for.

“I lived out a boyhood dream to represent Ipswich Town in my first professional appearance.

"I then lived out my other boyhood dream to captain a team to victory at Wembley Stadium.

"I couldn’t have dreamt that the team I captained there would be the team that has become my club.

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“I have shared some really special memories at Adams Park with our fans, and I would like you all to know that your support over the world has meant the world to me.

"You have made my playing career such a special experience and I thank you all for that.

“I know that I can retire content knowing that I definitely gave it everything I had.”

Before his retirement, he was the longest-serving player for any club in the top four leagues in English football, following his move from Ipswich Town.

And during his time at the club, he achieved four promotions from League Two to the Championship (2009, 2011, 2018 & 2020), whilst also suffering four relegations with the club (2004, 2010, 2012 & 2021).

Manager Gareth Ainsworth said: “It’s a sad day, but also a proud one, to celebrate the playing career of one of the best, if not the best, professionals I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my time in football.

“Matt was my roommate in my playing days, my captain in my management career, and now I’m honoured to have him by my side on the coaching staff for the next chapter. 

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“We could not have achieved everything that we have done without him, and above that, I wouldn’t have wanted to have gone on this journey without him.

"He has been such an inspiration to everyone at Wycombe Wanderers, on and off the pitch, and he has shown tremendous courage to take this step for him and his family.

"Wycombe Wanderers have been truly blessed with an extraordinary individual that has gone far, far beyond what he signed up to do.

“Matt Bloomfield is a Wycombe Wanderers legend, a guy you can rely on with anything, a guy who will be there for you through everything, and someone who has the respect of every other footballer in the game.

"To have seen him develop into the man he has become goes deeper than just football, and above all this, he is, and always will be, one of my closest friends.

“Blooms, you have had an incredible playing career and it was a privilege to share a pitch, then an office, and now a technical area with you.

“If like is a book, you’re not even halfway through yet, but it’s been a hell of a read so far!”

Despite not donning the number 10 shirt from today onwards, Bloomfield will remain at the club as part of the coaching staff, for both first-team and development squad levels.

He has been on the coaching team since the start of the campaign, and made his last league outing for the Chairboys on the final day of last season, where they defeated Middeslbrough 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium.

Bloomfield also wants to support initiatives by the Professional Footballers Association, (PFA) which aim to increase the guidance and support available for footballers in relation to head injuries and their long-term impact on health and wellbeing.

The club will pay tribute to Bloomfield with a special celebration of his playing career at Adams Park on Good Friday (April 15) when Wanderers entertain Plymouth Argyle.