Reading legend Jem Karacan has announced his retirement from football, aged 33.

An Academy graduate who made his name in the post-Premier League years under Steve Coppell and Brendan Rodgers, he became a stalwart under Brian McDermott and the 2012 Championship-winning team.

Despite suffering two major injuries, both against Leeds United, the Turkey youth international made 175 appearances for the Royals from 2007 until 2015.

Going on to play for the likes of Galatasaray, Bolton Wanderers and Millwall, the central midfielder retires with almost 300 professional appearances to his name.

Now a scout for former club Millwall, he is also heard occasionally on BBC Radio Berkshire providing colour commentary on Royals fixtures.

Releasing an emotional statement on Instagram, he said: "It’s taken me a little while to be able to write this but I’ve officially retired from football.

"There are so many people I need to thank for my time playing football. The fans, your support always meant the world to me and I’ll never forget it. My team mates, some of whom have become my closest mates and more importantly golf partners. All of the managers, coaches and staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with and learning from.

"I grew up just wanting to kick a ball about, I could never have imagined doing it for a living, scoring in the premier league or standing there for my dad’s favourite team in Turkey and humming away to the Champions League anthem.

"I wouldn’t have ever achieved what I have without my family. To my mum & dad, thank you for dedicating your lives to travelling the country to take me to training and coming to every game. And to my brother & sister for joining them supporting me around the world and through all the highs and lows.

"To my wife Laura. Thank you for putting your dreams on hold so that I could carry on living out mine. Once I had kids, my main ambition was for them to see me doing what I love and fortunately enough that moment came when I got to play again for the team I hold closest to my heart at the Madjeski."