Nick Matthew Unveils Retirement Plans

England squash star Nick Matthew has announced that he will end his playing career at the end of the 2017/18 season. The 37-year-old from Sheffield is already classed as one of the most successful squash players of all time with three World Championship titles, three British Open crowns and three Commonwealth Games gold medals as well as 35 PSA World Tour titles to his name. Furthermore he boasts 116 England international caps and topped the PSA World Rankings for 19 months.

December's AJ Bell PSA World Championships in Manchester and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in Australia will be the Yorkshireman's main focuses for the season.

"I've decided after a lot thought and talking with family and friends, this is going to be my last season on the PSA World Tour," Matthew told his fans on his You Tube channel 'Nick Matthew Squash'. "But it's not sad, I'm really excited by the opportunity ahead in my last season ahead on the tour.

"We've got the World Championships in Manchester, I've got some amazing memories of the last time the Worlds was in Manchester. Then there are the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April 2018 - it's one of my favourite events ever, pulling on that England shirt and I'll be doing everything in my power to win a fourth Gold medal.

"Potentially my last tournament ever will be the British Open so what a way to finish, in my home country, one of the most traditional titles in squash.

"Looking back I'm so privileged to have met so many people and shared so many memories along the way. I've had all the threes, three World titles, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and three British Opens so hopefully I can get a fourth of one those this season.

Matthew goes on to thank fans for their support over the years and reveals plans for the future:

"A big, big thank you to all the squash fans out there who have supported me throughout my career at home and abroad. The support has been absolutely amazing, I think this is my 20th season on the world tour, but I've been playing since the age of eight and have made so many friends around the world, thank you for your support. Hopefully I'll see you around the world this year if you can come to watch me in my last season.

"But you won't get rid of me that easily as I'll be involved in squash forever. I've started my squash academy in the UK and US, the Nick Matthew Academy, to help produce the next generation of talent as well as to grow our amazing sport that's given me so much."

England Squash CEO Keir Worth added: "Nick is a great of the game and we are immensely proud of his achievements.

"We have been proud to support him and enjoyed watching him become a remarkable player. He is an inspiration to players across the globe, a fantastic ambassador for the game, and will leave behind a lasting legacy. On behalf of England Squash, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Nick, thanks and best wishes in his last season on the PSA circuit."