Ex-England and Liverpool star announces retirement at 34 and immediately begins new role

Ex-England and Liverpool star announces retirement at 34 and immediately begins new roleThis former Liverpool and England midfielder has retired from playing and immediately taken charge of UAE club Arabian Falcons at the age of 34CommentsSportBen Crawford Senior Sports Writer and Cameron Winstanley06:49, 15 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesJonjo Shelvey has retired from professional football(Image: Arabian Falcons FC)Former Liverpool and Premier League midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has confirmed his retirement from professional football. The 34-year-old will immediately step into his first role in management.‌Shelvey departed England in 2025 to head to the UAE and link up with third division outfit Arabian Falcons. He made eight appearances for the club this season but will now make the switch to the touchline.‌The ex-England man will take charge of former Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison and will operate under the watchful eye of ex-Crystal Palace and Southampton winger Jason Puncheon, who serves as co-owner and Head of Football Operations following a change in ownership.‌Falcons sit third in the UAE Second Division and are harbouring ambitions of winning promotion to the top flight this season, with hopes that Shelvey can channel his vast experience to make an impact from the dugout.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Liverpool boss Arne Slot offers worrying Hugo Ekitike injury update - 'Not too good'READ MORE: Wayne Rooney issues Alexander Isak demand from Arne Slot which could save his jobSpeaking about his new role, Shelvey said: "I'm excited to take on this challenge and lead the Falcons forward. We have a talented group and a clear vision to achieve promotion and build something special in Dubai. My ambition is to climb to the very top of management and this is the perfect project to prove myself and what I'm capable of."‌View 3 ImagesThe Englishman made 69 appearances for Li...