Inter Miami CF defender Ryan Shawcross has announced his retirement from professional fútbol following an accomplished 16-year career. The club and Shawcross have mutually agreed to terminate his contract agreement.
“After having the fortune of enjoying a 16-year playing career, being a part of top organizations of the likes of Inter Miami, Stoke City and Manchester United, I would like to announce my retirement from professional football. Despite stepping out of my playing career due to injury, my passion for the game is still intact, and after having secured my coaching licenses, I am looking forward to pursuing a career in coaching. I would like to thank Chris Henderson, Phil Neville and the whole Inter Miami CF organization and fan base for the opportunity they’ve provided me to come here – I’ve really enjoyed the experience and being a part of this incredible project. I would also like to thank the Stoke City fans for their support, and last but not least, thank my wife and my kids for being a pillar throughout my life. I’m really looking forward to what’s coming next as I pursue a career in coaching,” said Shawcross.
“The club would like to congratulate Ryan for his accomplished career and for his time at Inter Miami CF as a player. Despite injuries preventing us from getting the best of Ryan on the pitch, he has significantly contributed to the club off of it. We wish him the best in his next step as a coach,” said Inter Miami CF Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
After signing for the club on Feb. 20, 2021, Shawcross made 12 appearances, nine of them starts, before suffering a season-ending back injury in August. The 34-year-old Chester, England native, added a plethora of playing experience to the team, after playing over 400 matches with Stoke City and captaining the team since 2010. The center back ranks in the top 10 in all-time appearances for the English club and scored 25 goals and tallied 16 assists for the team.
Shawcross began his lengthy tenure with Stoke City in Aug. 2007, first joining on loan from Manchester United before making the move permanent in Jan. 2008. He quickly made an impact, making 41 appearances in the Championship in his first season, scoring seven goals and helping the team achieve promotion to the Premier League; he was named to the PFA Team of the Year for the EFL Championship that season.
After helping the team achieve promotion, Shawcross helped Stoke City maintain its place in the Premier League for 10 seasons and earned the captain’s armband in the process. In that time, he made 317 appearances in England’s first division, registering 14 goals and 13 assists.
Prior to joining Stoke, Shawcross spent the second half of the 2006-2007 season on loan at Royal Antwerp FC in the Belgian second division. There he made 19 appearances and helped the team reach the playoffs.
Shawcross began his career at Manchester United where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his professional debut. He appeared in two EFL Cup matches with the Red Devils.
The defender also featured on the international stage once, making an appearance for England’s senior team in an international friendly against Sweden in Nov. 2012.
Inter Miami fans can join The Heartbeat of the club and secure their seats for the 2022 campaign by becoming Season Ticket Members. Season Ticket Members receive the best prices and priority seating locations for all 2022 home matches. Additional benefits include priority access to home playoff matches, interest free payment options, and discounts on season parking passes. For more information on Season Ticket Memberships, please visit intermiamicf.com/tickets.
Individual match tickets for each of the 17 regular season home matches on the Inter Miami CF schedule – beginning with the highly anticipated home opener on Saturday, February 26 are available visiting https://www.intermiamicf.com/tickets/single. Fans can also call 305-428-0611 to learn more.
