Everton: James Tarkowski sends message to Ashley Young after retirement announcement
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Credit: Imago Thu 30 April 2026 10:19, UK Everton defender James Tarkowski has sent a message to former teammate Ashley Young after he announced his retirement from professional football.40-year-old Young took to Instagram on Thursday morning to reveal that he will hang up his boots at the end of this season after a 23-year playing career.The ex-Toffees defender has spent his final season in football with Championship promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town, so could make his last professional appearance this weekend as they host QPR.Several of Young’s former teammates sent a congratulatory message in reply to his post, with Tarkowski writing: “Legend” alongside a blue heart emoji.The centre-back will be featuring in Everton’s next match as they chase European qualification, with Young potentially set to cover the match as a pundit after his retirement. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Ashley Young’s retirement has seen numerous stars have their say on InstagramYoung reached the top of the game with Man United, as he won the Premier League in 2013, while he also won 39 caps for England between 2007 and 2018.The 40-year-old’s former Red Devils teammate, David De Gea, recognised his achievements with a reply to his post that read: “What a career” with praising hands and red heart emojis.Appearances13Minutes played393′Successful pass %83.6%Chances created10Duels won %58.1%Recoveries29Dispossessed 3Young’s 2025-26 Championship statsMore current and former Everton stars also reacted, with James Garner replying: “The best!!
Congrats brother,” while Jesper Lindstrom commented fire and red heart emojis.Young has struggled for game time at Ipswich this season, with his last appearance for Kieran McKenna’s side coming in January after he suffered a hip flexor injury.Sources have told Football Insider that Ipswich plan to make six new signings if they go up this summer, meaning Young would have been in line for even less game time next season.He could be in contention to feature this weekend, but Ipswich will not have time for niceties as they chase automatic promotion, and he may well have already played the last game of his career.What has Young said about his decision to retire?The 40-year-old has already appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports, so looks set to pursue that career full-time after announcing his retirement.Such is the impressive nature of his longevity that he had the chance to feature against his own son, Tyler, when Everton faced Peterborough United in the FA Cup last season.Young spoke to Sky Sports about his decision to retire on Thursday, saying: “I am incredibly proud and fortunate to have achieved everything I have during my career.“It’s not too often you sit and think about this while you are still in the game, but I have lived my dream during the last 23 years.“It’s now time for some reflection on what I’ve been able to achieve and the next few weeks and months will be when I decide what I am going to do next.“But that is all to come. My full focus is on Saturday and helping this club achieve our goal, which is promotion back to the Premier League.” 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees.
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