Harte retires and recalls Leeds high
Ian Harte has named scoring for Leeds in a Champions League quarter-final as his career high after confirming his retirement from football.
Harte made over 500 career appearances at Leeds United, Levante and had brief spells with Sunderland and Blackpool.
The 37-year-old then reignited his career with Carlisle in League One before moving to Reading where he helped the Royals return to the top-flight – before doing the same at Bournemouth.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career but it’s time now to go onto the next chapter after the season we had last year at Bournemouth, it was a great achievement for the club,” Harte told Sky Sports News HQ.
Harte admitted he turned down offers to play elsewhere after he was released by Bournemouth earlier this summer.
“I had a few offers from other clubs within the Championship and League One but I’d rather go out on a high after playing for over twenty years,” Harte added.
“With the team achieving what we did with a great bunch of lads, I’m 38 in a couple of days and sometimes in football you got to realised when it’s the right time to hang the boots up.”
Harte’s best memory remains where he spent part of his youth career: “There are plenty of highlights from playing in the World Cup and Champions League, but the best bit was during my time at Leeds.
“Scoring that goal against Deportivo in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at a packed Elland Road – it was an amazing evening for me, the fans and players.”
As well as focusing on expanding his La Sala restaurant business in England and Spain, Harte is going to work with his agent looking after young players.
“I’m going to give a bit back to football, helping young lads not make the pitch falls that are out there in only a short career.
“Make sure that they look after their money, invest it right and try and pay their mortages off. Try and give them a bit of my experience to not make the pitch falls I made.”