SAINTS legend Adam Lallana has announced his retirement from professional football, labelling his return to the club a "fitting" end.

The 37 year old has called time on his career after one season at St Mary's, where he initially broke through as a teenager 20 years ago. 

Lallana has made 305 Premier League appearances in his career, including 283 in all competitions for Saints, and was capped 34 times for England.

He helped Saints, who he later proudly captained, climb from League One to the Europa League, and was England's Player of the Year in 2016.

Lallana won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool, after signing at Anfield in 2014, later playing for Brighton for four seasons.

On social media site Instagram, Lallana said: "As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride.

READ: Lallana retires: Adam's 283 Saints appearances in pictures

"I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way. You owe so much to so many on a journey like this - it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am.

"I couldn’t have done it without you. It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999.

"Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.

"Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends. It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.

"Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.

"Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.

"And England… every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour. I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it.

"I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am. To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters - thank you.

"But most of all, to my own team… my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all. I’m excited for whatever the future brings."

Lallana, who finished last season as interim assistant manager, is likely to stay at Saints, working in a coaching role for new boss Will Still.

Saints are set to appoint Paul Trollope as Still's assistant manager, but Lallana could be named as an assistant coach on his team.