Former Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell has announced the end of his playing career and the Brighton midfielder will now move into an ambassadorial and youth coaching role with the south coast club.

The 35 year-old left Brighton over the summer after persistent injuries prevented him from playing a part in their first Premier League season after starring in their promotion from the Championship. Sidwell made 117 appearances – scoring thirteen times – in three years at Fulham, leaving Craven Cottage after the club’s thirteen year spell in the top flight came to an end with relegation in 2014.

Sidwell said: “I am so lucky and privileged to have lived every kid’s dream of playing football for a living. The highs and lows; blood, sweat and tears; scars and broken bones – each have a part in my story, and one I would never change.”