The ex-Liverpool forward, Dirk Kuyt has announced the end of his football career. The 37-year old, has called time on a shining 19-year career, few days after taking Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie championship since 1999.

“From beginning till the end of my career I have always listened to my heart whenever a time to decide came, and the same thing is applicable to the retirement” Kuyt said. “I have no second thought, this feels like the right time to end it all. I have had two fantastic seasons here since returning to Feyenoord, including this season’s title as the absolute pinnacle.”

The Feyenoord’s technical director, Michael Van Geel added saying they are unbelievably grateful to Dirk for what he has done over the past two years, ranging from his attitude, to the professionalism and as well the passion he has put in the game, in the dressing room, on the pitch and beyond. The Dutchman made his debut as a professional footballer for FC Utrecht in the 1998/99 season, joining Feyenoord in 2003. He later joined Liverpool in 2006 and went on to feature in 285 matches for the Reds, scoring 71 goals.

He remained a popular icon throughout his time at Anfield, and became known as Liverpool’s man for the big occasion. He left Anfield in 2012 in a move to Fenerbahce before he finally returned to Feyenoord in 2015, scoring 38 goals in 76 appearances out of which he saw them to winning the title in a unique way. The former Netherlands international netted a hat-trick as Feyenoord defeated Heracles Almelo to grab the Dutch league crown in 16/17 campaign. In addition, he won 104 caps for the Netherlands football team, featuring in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain in Johannesburg, South Africa.