Andre Marriner has retired from refereeing after close to two decades as an official in the Premier League.
Marriner, 52, took charge of a match for the final time in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Wolves on Sunday, his 391st in the top flight, before bringing the curtain down on his long career.
‘I’ll miss the moments out on the pitch but I’ve got so many great memories to look back on – I’ve loved almost every minute of it,’ he said after announcing his retirement on Tuesday.
‘It’s been a long and hugely enjoyable road since qualifying through the Birmingham County FA in my early twenties and I’m proud of what I’ve fortunately been able to go and achieve in the game. To officiate internationally, on domestic finals and in the best league in the world, I feel very honoured.
‘I’ve had brilliant support along the way and I’d like to thank my family, my colleagues, PGMOL and The FA in particular – refereeing has been my life for years but it’s a tough job at times and they’ve been there for me which I will always appreciate.’
Marriner spent 23 years as an official in the highest divisions of English football, with his first Premier League outing coming in a match between Charlton and Norwich back in November 2004.
Andre Marriner partnered the whistle for 19 years.
