Former Norwich City midfielder Bradley Johnson has announced his retirement from playing professional football.

The 36-year-old spent four years of his two-decade career at Carrow Road, playing a key role as the Canaries were promoted at the first time of asking in 2015.

He won the club's player of the season award for his contributions in that campaign, including a memorable strike against bitter rivals Ipswich, having enjoyed three years in the Premier League with City before relegation.

He was controversially sold to Derby County for £7million just four months after winning the Barry Butler memorial trophy, going on to play for Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons before ending his career as a player-coach with the Rams' under-21s.

In a statement posted on his own social media channels, Johnson said: "After 20 incredible years and over 600 games, I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.

"I have had an unbelievable journey and know deep down that despite still feeling physically able to continue, now is the right time to announce my retirement in order to focus on my coaching career.

"I have loved every minute that my journey has given me. I've had an incredible playing career and one I'm extremely proud of.

"There have been some extreme highs, difficult lows and numerous challenges along the way, but looking back now I wouldn't change any of it.

"From being released as a young boy at Arsenal to working my way back up to become a Premier League midfielder, it's been truly amazing. There have been some unbelievable moments along the way.

"I'm incredibly proud to have played in, and gained promotion from, all of League Two, League One and the Championship, including getting promoted to the Premier League with Norwich in front of a full Wembley Stadium on what was one of the most amazing days of my life.

"I feel honoured to have gone on to play over 100 Premier League games, something I could only have dreamed of as a small boy growing up in Hackney.

"I feel privileged to have done so alongside so many fantastic players, many of whom I now feel lucky to call my closest friends.

"Thank you to all my team-mates, staff and most importantly the incredible fans of Cambridge, Northampton, Stevenage, Ebbsfleet, Leeds, Brighton, Norwich, Derby, Blackburn and MK Dons. You all have a special place in my heart."