Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer insists he can retire with no regrets.
Alan Shearer insists he can retire with no regrets after confirming his knee injury means he will not play for Newcastle United again.
The former England captain damaged medial ligaments during Monday's derby victory at Sunderland, in which Shearer slammed home a penalty.
He was awaiting the results of scans to determine the full extent of his injury and whether the problem would bring a premature end to his 18-year career.
The injury is serious enough to prevent the 35-year-old from featuring in The Magpies' remaining three games and he has now officially announced his retirement.
And though the predatory striker only won one medal during his career - a Premiership with Blackburn Rovers in 1995 - Shearer does not regret his lack of silverware.
"That's it, it's all over," Shearer told The Sun.
"There's a tear in the medial ligament which, although it does not require an operation, means I will be in a knee brace for a few weeks.
"It's disappointing, but I've got no regrets. I've had a great career."
Shearer admits that as soon as he suffered the injury against Sunderland, he knew he would not be playing again.
He added: "Deep down I knew when I limped out of The Stadium of Light that it was probably the end and I think the fans knew it as well.
"They know I don't stay down unless I'm badly hurt."
The most fearsome goalscorer of his generation, Shearer is aware he could have won more medals had he chosen to join Manchester United in 1996.
Instead, Shearer opted for a £15 million transfer to Newcastle and he admits it was a dream come true to play for his boyhood heroes.
"My dream as a kid was to play for Newcastle United and to score goals at St James' Park," he continued.
"It doesn't matter that I didn't win a trophy because I did it my way and I lived the dream.
"Unless you come from the area, you wouldn't understand that mentality. Playing for the club is everything.
"I broke Jackie's (Milburn) record and no one can take that away from me. I've never had any regrets.
"I'm finished now and I have great memories. The fact I won't be able to play the last three games is disappointing, but I'm not complaining. How could I?"
