Gary Cahill has explained why he “appreciates” his time at Wanderers after announcing his retirement from the game.

Cahill came through the ranks at Aston Villa and had loan spells at Burnley and Sheffield United prior to his arrival at the UniBol in 2018.

He became a popular figure among Bolton supporters during a four-year spell at the club, making nearly 150 appearances.

The defender’s form at Wanderers helped him earn a first call-up to the England squad in 2009 and he went on to become an important player for the Three Lions.

Cahill represented his country at four major tournaments between 2012 and 2018 and racked up more than 60 caps in total.

He left the North West in 2012 to join Chelsea and went on to have a hugely successful career at Stamford Bridge.

The centre-back won two Premier League titles and even earned a Champions League winner’s medal among other accomplishments during his time with the Blues.

Cahill says he is grateful to Bolton for “taking a chance” on him and giving him the platform to become an international player.

He said: “At that particular time, a lot of the England squad were in top teams. I don’t mean to be disrespectful to Bolton, but obviously your elite teams in the Premier League.

“They took a chance if you like to buy me, put me in the team, play week in, week out and give me that platform to go on and learn, make mistakes, grow as a player and grow as a man. I appreciate Bolton very much for that.”

Cahill had been without a club since leaving Bournemouth over the summer after helping the Cherries win promotion back to the Premier League, making 22 appearances in all competitions last season.

The defender admits the decision to call time on his career is not an easy one but says he is looking forward to “the next chapter” of his life.

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