FORMER CELTIC keeper Dorus de Vries has hung up his gloves for the last time as a professional footballer after seeing out his contract at Celtic.
De Vries joined Celtic from Nottingham Forest shortly after the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, but like many of the Irishman’s signing, he failed to make a positive impact.
Rather surprisingly de Vries was given a contract extension but spent last season on the bench towards the end of the campaign, when Craig Gordon was injured, but never actually played any football.
Today though the Dutchman, who was popular with his teammates at Celtic Park, called time on his playing career in a message he posted on his social media account.
“After 20 plus years as a professional footballer it is time for me to hang up my boots and gloves,” de Vries said.
“I would like to thank all of you who supported me on this fantastic journey I had as a professional football player.
“I am very fortunate to have played for some fantastic and well supported clubs and I would like to thank everyone who worked closely with me, my family and friends, my former teammates, my agent, management, coaches, backroom staff and supporters at Telstar, ADO Den Haag, Dunfermline, Swansea city, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Celtic.
“Now its time for a bit of a break but after holidays I will continue to work on my coaching badges and will start a master in sport management at the Johan Cruyff university which is something i am very excited about. Thank you all.”
