After a long and successful career, Premier League referee Andre Marriner has announced his retirement from professional refereeing.
The senior referee announced this on Tuesday afternoon in a statement released on the Premier League website.
“I’ll miss the moments out on the pitch but I’ve got so many great memories to look back on – I’ve loved almost every minute of it,” he said as quoted by the Premier League.
“It’s been a long and hugely enjoyable road since qualifying through the Birmingham County FA in my early twenties and I’m proud of what I’ve fortunately been able to go and achieve in the game. To officiate internationally, on domestic finals and in the best league in the world, I feel very honoured.
“I’ve had brilliant support along the way and I’d like to thank my family, my colleagues, PGMOL and The FA in particular – refereeing has been my life for years but it’s a tough job at times and they’ve been there for me which I will always appreciate.”
The 52-year old’s last match in charge happened on Sunday at Emirates Stadium where Arsenal defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0.
Since he refereed his first top flight game in 2004, Marriner was been in charge of 391 Premier League games.
He also operated with FIFA for nine years, officiating in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship qualifiers.
In the last 12 months, Marriner has officiated 24 games, comprising 13 Premier League games, 5 Championship games, 3 FA Cup games, 2 EFL Cup games and one club friendly game. In addition, he has been the fourth official 49 times.
During that period, he has issued out 15 yellow cards and no red cards.
