A former Derby County player confirmed his sincere retirement, prompting Frank Lampard to send a grateful note.
Martyn Waghorn has announced his retirement after playing for Sunderland, Leicester, Rangers, and Derby.
Lampard signed the English striker in 2018, making him the eighth signing of the former Chelsea midfielder’s reign at Derby.
Waghorn scored nine goals as Derby reached the play-off final, only to lose heartbreakingly to Aston Villa 2-1.
The former Rangers striker would write his name into Rams history, scoring a penalty on the final day of the 2020/21 season to keep Derby from relegation.
Derby are expected to appoint John Eustace from Blackburn, with Paul Merson calling the role a “amazing” chance for the manager.
Martyn Waghorn hangs up his boots with congratulations from Frank Lampard
Waghorn shared a collection of his career highlights on Instagram, with the comment reading: “It’s been an unbelievable trip. I’ve been incredibly lucky to play for some fantastic clubs in my career, and I never took it for granted.
“Charlton, Leicester, Hull, Millwall, Wigan, Rangers, Ipswich, Derby, Coventry, Huddersfield and Northampton. I am proud to have worn the shirt of every one of these great clubs. Every time I stepped on the pitch all I wanted to do was make my family proud.
“There has been some amazing memories with friends and family that I will cherish forever.
Thank you to everyone at Sunderland for giving me the opportunity in the game. You believed in me from 7 years old until my debut at 17, thank you all.
“To represent my country at various age groups was always an honour and to also score on my England U21 debut was such a proud moment.”
Lampard then responded to his former striker by saying: “Congrats on a great career Waggy. Top player and top bloke.”
Derby County and Frank Lampard need a striker like Martyn Waghorn
Lampard, the new manager at the Coventry Building Society Arena, was supposed to be busy in January. However, he apologized for one of his Coventry transfers near the close of the transfer window.
Lampard decided against raiding his previous club Chelsea, which was surprising given the success he had with Derby County in the Championship during his one season in command.
Haji Wright is the club’s highest scorer this season, with seven goals, and while the Sky Blues are ascending the ladder under their new manager, goals remain scarce.
A striker like Waghorn would not only be a blessing to Lampard right now, but also to his former team, Derby, who are treacherously poised above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Derby were interested in Tom Cursons in January as they sought to address their goal-scoring issues, but were unable to sign the striker.
The Rams are also struggling to score goals, with Jerry Yates leading the way with seven this season.
