Former England forward Rickie Lambert has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 35-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Cardiff City at the end of last season, has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace over the last week.

However, Lambert has taken the decision to hang up his boots after a 19-year professional career, which saw him represent the likes of Southampton, Liverpool, and West Bromwich Albion.

The forward also scored three times in 11 appearances for England between 2013 and 2014 - representing his country at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I feel lucky to have been involved in this sport for as long as I have. I have had some ups and downs in my career but to have represented clubs like Southampton, Liverpool and playing for my country in a World Cup were beyond my wildest dreams," read a statement from Lambert.

"Playing and scoring for England is probably my proudest professional moment and I will look back at every aspect of how I got there with fond memories. I would like to thank the fans of all of the clubs I played for but especially at Southampton where I enjoyed my best years as a footballer and had a special relationship with everyone connected to the club.

"Thank you to all the players I have played with and managers I have played for throughout my career, it was an honour to work with you all. Thank you to my family and friends who have always been there for me, especially my gorgeous wife Amy.

"I will be taking a break for a while to spend some quality time with my family just being a husband and father. In the future I hope to give back as best I can to the game that has given me so much."

Lambert managed 241 goals in 701 professional appearances.