Premier League star Jack Grealish has paid tribute to former Aston Villa midfielder Glenn Whelan via Twitter, as he seemingly played the final game of his career this past weekend.
While it seems the former Aston Villa may have surpassed Whelan already, with the pair having played together for two seasons earning promotion from the Championship during that time.
Since then, Grealish has gone on to make a big-money move to Manchester City, which made him the most expensive British player, leaving Aston Villa for a fee of £100 million in 2021 and has even represented England at a European Championship and a World Cup.
Whelan’s retirement.
It was confirmed before the game by Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton that it was his belief Glenn Whelan was playing his last game in professional football. Whelan’s wife then went on to tweet a video which she captioned: “And that’s a wrap the boots are hung up. we are very proud of everything you have achieved on to the next chapter”
This seemed to confirm for many fans the 39-year-old’s decision to call it a day on a career that spanned 20 years. But he made history in the process, despite being substituted in the 78th minute, the former Republic of Ireland international became the club’s oldest player and was seen off with a standing ovation from the fans.
Whelan’s career
Whelan started out with Grealish’s current club Manchester City but never made an appearance for the Cityzens. It would be Stoke City where he spent most of his career, joining from Sheffield Wednesday in 2008 after just under four years with the Owls. From there, he would be a vital part of the Potters, leaving the club for Midlands rivals Aston Villa in 2017, he would stay on for two years, part of the team who won promotion back to the Premier League before departing for Hearts in 2019.
Whelan also enjoyed a glittering international career, he earned himself 91 caps with the Republic of Ireland, scoring two goals for his country along the way.
What’s been said?
With the belief that the veteran has finished his career, only reinforced by his wife’s tweet following Barton’s comments, many have taken to Twitter to lead tributes to their former teammate and this was led by Grealish.
“What a career & what a guy. Congrats Whelo Happy retirement brother”Â
Grealish led the tributes among many others, his former club Sheffield Wednesday took to Twitter also to praise the player’s journey.
“Wishing Glenn Whelan a very happy retirement!”
Writers View
A glorious career comes to an end for Glenn Whelan, he may not have many trophies to his resume like the usual players that are rated this much in retirement, but he did earn promotion with Villa, as well as Sheffield Wednesday during his career.
He also appears to have made many great friends along the way, not just teammates and this is clear from the wishes he has been receiving on Twitter, plus the standing ovation he received as he was replaced for the final time.
For Whelan the next step is coaching, it is believed he will be remaining at the Memorial Stadium in a coaching capacity. A long-standing career and it is only fitting that he ends it with a landmark in his final game.
