Former Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski has announced his retirement, aged 37.

The once-capped Polish international left Millwall at the end of last season and has opted to hang up his gloves.

“I rejected various options and decided that I was feeling good where I am now, that is, Spain, with my family. Something is over. At the moment I can say that I am finishing,” he told Kanałem Sportowym.

“I could play another year or two because I feel good physically. However, such burnout, fatigue with football.”

Bialkowski initially joined Town on loan from Southampton in March 2009 but failed to make a senior appearance during that spell, although the Blues were keen to sign him on a permanent basis that summer.

But it took until July 2014 for him to return on a permanent basis from Notts County, where he had spent an impressive two seasons.

The 6ft 4in tall keeper quickly established himself as Town’s number one and went on to make 177 starts and one sub appearance for the club before departing for Millwall, initially on loan, in the summer of 2019.

While with the Blues Bialkowski became the first player to win three successive Town Player of the Year awards, from 2016 until 2018.

While at Portman Road, he won his single Poland cap and was in the squad for the World Cup in 2018 but without making it onto the field.

He was in goal for Mick McCarthy’s Blues as they made the play-offs in 2014/15.

Photo: Action Images

trevski_s added 12:37 - Aug 29 Great keeper and first to win our player of the season 3 seasons on the trot. Would make for an amazing goalie coach one day but enjoy your retirement Bart, you have more than earnt it
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dangerous30 added 12:40 - Aug 29 Always gave us 100% enjoy your retirement
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baxterbasics added 12:51 - Aug 29 One of the few standout players in a difficult period for Town - hence why he won those awards.
12

Woolfenthen added 12:52 - Aug 29 One of very few who made it worthwhile trudging down to PR during those turgid years. Arguably single handily (not a great saying for a GK), kept us in the division for a few years before the inevitable. Top man off the pitch also, enjoy your retirement Bart, you've earnt it, the Portman Road faithful adored you.
11

TimmyH added 13:37 - Aug 29 Saved McCarthy's skin more often than not...great goalie for us. Enjoy your retirement Bart and what ever you intend to do from now on!
6

Swailsey added 14:26 - Aug 29 Loved the Bartman. Happy retirement! Great player for us.
3

raycrawfordswig added 14:40 - Aug 29 Happy Retirement Bartman thanks for everything you did for us.
3

bkb added 15:45 - Aug 29 Great shot stopper. One of the best to wear the gloves in my near 70 years supporting the Town.
4

dubblue added 16:35 - Aug 29 One of our better keepers, his player of the season 3 years in a row says it all! Wishing Bart a long and happy retirement!
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dirtydingusmagee added 16:36 - Aug 29 Enjoy your retirement from the game Bart a light in the dark days for Town
4

Flight_of_Shefki added 19:23 - Aug 29 Well deserved, Bart. Thank you for your service in Blue. Enjoy.
2

Dissboyitfc added 20:10 - Aug 29 those were the days, a keeper winning player of the season 3 years on the bounce and a team who didnt venture into the opponents half until the game was nearly over in the hope of nicking a win. A great keeper for us, we relied on him too much! enjoy your retirement Bart!
3

Dissboyitfc added 20:12 - Aug 29 Also meant to add, be careful what you wish for!
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