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Former Northern Ireland international Chris Baird has announced his retirement.<\/p>\nFormer Northern Ireland international Chris Baird has announced his retirement.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old, who could operate in defense or midfield, was released by Derby at the end of last season and announced his decision through the Irish Football Association.<\/p>\n
Baird, who won 79 senior caps before calling time on his international career after Euro 2016, also made a name for himself at Southampton and Fulham, playing in the 2010 Europa League final for the Whites.<\/p>\n
He came through the ranks at Ballymena United before moving to Saints and is aiming to remain in the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been one of the hardest decisions I\u2019ve ever had to make to retire from the game I love and that has given me so much,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking to the future, I want to stay involved in the game in some capacity and I will now look at all the options to see what I can do next after hanging up my boots.\u201d<\/p>\n