The 32-year-old former England captain has decided to call it a day after a career that took in Crewe, Aston Villa and a spell in Italy where he played for Bari, Juventus and Sampdoria. He returned to England in 1995 to join Arsenal.

He won 62 caps for England, scoring 27 goals including an injury-time winner against Belgium in the 1990 World Cup.

Platt said that he planned to spend an intensive period learning as much as he could to prepare himself for a new career in management and coaching.

David Platt helped Arsenal win the double last season

"I have enjoyed a fabulous career with some wonderful moments that I will always remember," said Platt.

"However, I now feel the time is right to plan for the next phase of my life a career in management and coaching."

He often played as a substitute during Arsenal's double-winning season, unable to command a regular first team place.

"I have enjoyed my time at Arsenal and there could be no better way to finish than to have shared the club's memorable achievements last season," said Platt.

Platt recently turned down the chance to manage Sheffield United saying that he intended to see out the remaining year of his contract with the Gunners.

Last season, Platt was linked with the managerial jobs at Aston Villa, Southampton and Reading.

Platt is still the world's second most expensive footballer behind Ronaldo in terms of combined fees, which total £22.15m.

David Platt scored a total of 209 goals in 500 first class appearances.