x

Former Town Defender Berra Announces Retirement - Ipswich Town News

Former Blues centre-half Christophe Berra has announced his retirement, aged 37.

The Scotland international was with Town between July 2013 and May 2017 making 182 starts and one sub appearance, scoring 14 times, having signed on a free transfer after leaving Wolves.

He departed Town to return to Scotland when he rejoined Hearts for a second spell and was playing for Raith Rovers last season having spent time on loan at Dundee during his later stint at Tynecastle.

"This was far from an easy decision, but after thinking long and hard, together with the high standards that I set myself on a daily basis, I have decided that the time has come to hang up my boots,” he told the Rovers official website.

"For the benefit of the team, I felt it was the right time to step aside and allow the club to bring in some new players to drive the team forward.

"I have ambitions to return to football in the months ahead but for the time being, I will enjoy some quality time with my family.

"Last but not least, a huge thanks to the players, the manager, the staff and the club, I have enjoyed every minute being in your company, on and off the pitch and I wish you all the very best going forward.

"Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to all the Rovers fans who welcomed me to their club, it has been an honour and privilege. Thank you!”

Berra, who was a member of the Town side which reached the play-offs in 2014/15 but was sent off in the away leg of the semi-final at Norwich, won 41 full Scotland caps, scoring four times, during a career which spanned 20 years.

What to read next:

Town Win LMA Performance of the Week Award
Town won the League Managers Association’s Everest Men’s Performance of the Week Award for the 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United last Friday.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Ismael: A Good Challenge to Test Ourselves Against One of the Championship's Top Sides
Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael says his team’s next step is to record their first home win of the season when the Blues, who he views as one of the top sides in the Championship, visit Ewood Park on Saturday.
Furlong: The Club's Ambition Was the Main Pull
Town defender Darnell Furlong has outlined his reasons for making the summer switch to the Blues from fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
U21s and U18s Both Face League Leaders
Town’s U21s and U18s are both in Saturday action this weekend, at Chelsea and at Arsenal respectively.
Furlong: Just Having Good Players Isn't Enough
Town full-back Darnell Furlong believes the Blues will need more than just a strong squad of players in order to achieve promotion back to the Premier League this season.
[Podcast] Life's a Pitch TV - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Life's a Pitch TV team is now available.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: A Different Blackburn Team to the One We Faced Two Years Ago
Town travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday aiming to record back-to-back wins for the first time since the end of their 2023/24 Championship promotion season.
McKenna: Matusiwa Making Really Positive Steps
Blues boss Kieran McKenna says summer signing Azor Matusiwa has made positive steps in his first five games in the Championship with Town now very strong in their midfield department.