Former England international goalkeeper Chris Kirkland quits Bury less than 48 hours before season opener against Charlton

FORMER England international goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has decided to quit Bury – less than 48 hours before the start of their season.

The 35-year-old, who enjoyed Premier League spells at Liverpool and Wigan, revealed that he needs time away from football.

The veteran stopper move to Bury on a one-year deal in June and the club have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

In a statement on Bury’s official website, he said: “It’s a decision I’ve taken putting my family’s future and wellbeing first.

“I know people will find it hard to understand why someone like myself, who has been lucky enough to have spent my professional life in football and enjoyed all the benefits that comes with that, needs some time and space away from the game… but I know it’s the right one.”

Kirkland also admitted that he has not retired from the game and he could come back as either a player or a coach.

He added: “I hope, at the appropriate time, I might be able to, again, be involved and work within football, either as a player or in coaching or even work within the community.”

Kirkland started his career at Coventry before joining Liverpool, West Brom, Wigan, Leicester, Doncaster, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston and Bury.

He managed one England cap in his career, in a 4-0 friendly win against Greece in 2006.