James McArthur retires: Ex-Scotland, Crystal Palace & Wigan midfielder ends career - BBC Sport
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James McArthur retires: Ex-Scotland, Crystal Palace & Wigan midfielder ends career

Last updated on .From the section Scottishcomments36

James McArthur scores for Scotland with a header
One of McArthur's four goals for Scotland was in the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania

Former Scotland midfielder James McArthur has retired at the age of 35.

McArthur, who scored four times in 32 Scotland caps, left Crystal Palace at the end of last season after 253 games in nine years for the Eagles.

McArthur made his debut for Hamilton Academical in 2005 and joined Wigan Athletic five years later, winning the FA Cup with Latics in 2013.

"After 18 years of playing professional football, the game I love, today I am announcing my retirement," he said.

"After playing for three amazing clubs in Hamilton, Wigan and Crystal Palace, and representing my country, I can only look back on the past 18 years with immense pride," he wrote on social media.

"I cannot thank the players, managers, coaches, owners, staff members and fans enough for always supporting me and being a huge part of my journey.

"A day that I never wanted to happen, but it's a decision that I know is right for me and my family. I'm not entirely sure what the future holds but I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career."

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36 comments

  • Comment posted by Lisa, at 10:48 7 Aug 2023

    What a player he was for Palace!
    Always determined and never gave up.
    Brilliant memories of you Jimmy Mac!
    I hope you come back to Palace in some capacity as well. You would be a fantastic mentor for the younger players.

  • Comment posted by PhilipM, at 10:27 7 Aug 2023

    Brilliant player and leader for Palace. I hope he comes back to the club in some capacity. He would be a brilliant coach.

  • Comment posted by jagster, at 11:03 7 Aug 2023

    Quality underated player

  • Comment posted by punter poet, at 11:22 7 Aug 2023

    Always gave the lot for Scotland. Fantastic career, should be really proud of himself.

    • Reply posted by 3 Toed Sloth, at 15:05 7 Aug 2023

      3 Toed Sloth replied:
      never committed to be fair

  • Comment posted by Torrydee, at 11:31 7 Aug 2023

    Highly underrated player who always have his all.

  • Comment posted by stringerbell, at 10:47 7 Aug 2023

    Accies Legend

  • Comment posted by Mark , at 11:28 7 Aug 2023

    A solid,decent and dependable player. Good luck in the future James.

  • Comment posted by Kelso, at 11:37 7 Aug 2023

    Should offer Accies a few months then move on to coaching , they have kids there that could use a bit of top level player help and experience. Or ask Palace to feed them some loan players .

  • Comment posted by Kelso, at 12:23 7 Aug 2023

    Billy Reid who found him and James would make a great management team , Reid valued by a few top coaches in the past , did more than just help make Brighton what they are now.

  • Comment posted by Paul, at 14:02 7 Aug 2023

    Played some great games for Palace, always gave 110% and scored some important goals.

  • Comment posted by RaggedTrouseredPhil, at 15:22 7 Aug 2023

    Hey, Mr Maloney. Another of the 2013 FA cup winners looking to get into coaching here. Give him a call. 😉

    Great player for Wigan Athletic 💙🤍💙🤍

  • Comment posted by lancastp, at 17:09 7 Aug 2023

    Great player for Palace. He will be missed.

  • Comment posted by Colombian Boffin, at 18:32 7 Aug 2023

    I wish he'd put a consortium together and buy Accies. We could do with someone with his ethic at our club.

  • Comment posted by Hot Shot Hamish, at 00:50 8 Aug 2023

    Great player. Tidy as!

    Good on FIFA too.

  • Comment posted by sztiv, at 23:09 7 Aug 2023

    Only 3 clubs, no red cards, no mistakes leading to a goal - the consummate professional. He took us to another level.
    One of the greats.

  • Comment posted by Tony K, at 07:25 8 Aug 2023

    Will be a good manager. Has that grumpy look about him as well!

  • Comment posted by jambo1, at 21:54 7 Aug 2023

    I remember him and McAuthur starting out at Hamilton both had amazing careers. Hope he finds a place in football where his experience can help others.

  • Comment posted by berlingo5, at 13:24 7 Aug 2023

    A rarity of a HYS, for an article that
    a) Isn't 'written' by Simon Stone, and
    b) Doesn't mention Manchester United

  • Comment posted by DC Yank, at 22:48 7 Aug 2023

    Here's to you James! A CRITICAL piece among Martinez's men at Wigan, and FA Cup Starter/Winner.

  • Comment posted by josh, at 19:10 7 Aug 2023

    My Dad's a Hamilton supporter and i remember seeing a 15 year old James McCarthy making his debut at Dundee. Him and McArthur in their midfield were amazing together and they both went on to have great careers down in the Premier League. I feel like McArthur retired from Scotland duty too early, but he may have struggled to get in to our midfield in the past couple years regardless.