Former Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton Athletic man announces retirement after two-decade long career
Michael Morrison played 28 times for Pompey during a six-month stay at Fratton Park.
Former Pompey defender Michael Morrison has called time on his 21-year playing career.
The centre-back, of course, returned to the Abbey Stadium in January 2023 after departing Fratton Park just six months into a one-year deal.
Morrison featured 28 times in all competitions for the Blues during the first half of the 2022-23 season, with his last outing coming in a 3-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
After rising through the ranks at Cambridge, the experienced defender made his senior debut in 2005 and went on to enjoy spells with Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City and Reading before his Blues signing in August 2022.
Indeed, injury restricted the Abbey Stadium academy graduate to just 18 appearances last term due, with the U’s going on to secure promotion on the final day.
Former Pompey defender announces retirement
And following his exit at the end of the campaign, Morrison believes now is the right time to bring his two-decade long career to a close.
A post on Instagram read: ‘After more than 20 years in the game and over 800 appearances, the time feels right to hang up my boots and bring my playing career to a close.
‘Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I can honestly say I gave everything I had to it.
‘The game has taken me on an incredible journey, given me memories that will stay with me forever, and introduced me to people who have had a lasting impact on my life.
‘I’ve had the privilege of representing and captaining some fantastic football clubs throughout the years.
‘I’ve been lucky to share the pitch with outstanding teammates and work alongside staff who often go unnoticed.
‘The coaches, physios, kit man, analysts and countless others behind the scenes that are the heartbeat of every football club, and they all deserve enormous credit for the part they play.
‘One thing my career taught me, especially during the Covid years, was never to take supporters for granted. Playing in empty stadiums showed all of us just how much fans bring to the game.
‘It still means a lot when supporters stop me for a chat or share memories from my time at their club.None of this would have been possible without my family.
‘I owe so much to my parents and family for the sacrifices they made throughout the years, the long journeys, the time and the commitment.
‘They gave me every opportunity to chase my dream, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.
‘To my wife, thank you. You’ve been there from the very start, through every move, every success and every challenge that comes with a career in football. Your support, patience and love have been constant throughout.
‘Football has given me more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for that.
‘I’ll always be grateful and proud. Thank You.’
His emotional post on social media was met by a number of emotional replies from Pompey players past and present, with Marlon Pack, Colby Bishop, Joe Rafferty, Jay Mingi and Josh Oluywamemi leaving messages in the comments.