Oxford United striker Jamie Mackie has announced his retirement from football.
The 34-year-old, who joined the U’s in 2018 and made 91 appearances for the club, last featured in the League One play-off semi-final victory over Portsmouth.
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, Mackie said: “It was extremely tough because I have loved every moment of being a footballer and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.
“Those play-off games were so emotional especially because I had known all the way through that they would be my last games.
“I wanted to end on a high but that wasn’t to be and so the last week or so has been all about talking it through with my family and making sure it wasn’t just a reaction to the disappointment of losing at Wembley.
“It’s not that. It’s about knowing when the time is right to hang the boots up. Karl Robinson and everyone at Oxford has been brilliant and it has been a pleasure to come into work every day alongside them.
“But it’s time for a new challenge. If that’s in football in some way then great, but if not then I can walk away knowing that I have given it everything I had to give in every training session and in every game, I played.”
U’s boss Karl Robinson added: “We understand and respect Jamie’s decision and I want to thank him personally for everything he has given us not just on the pitch but off it. He has that tremendous enthusiasm for the game and to retain that passion for so many years is remarkable.
“He’s talked about media work but whatever he does I know he will be successful because there is an honesty and a work ethic which I know he will always have.
“He knows he is always welcome here and on behalf of the football club we thank him and wish him well.”
Mackie began his career at Wimbledon and moved with the club to Milton Keynes before he joined Exeter City, where the striker netted 21 times from 98 appearances.
He left the Grecians to join rivals, Plymouth Argyle, in the Championship, where he scored 16 times from 102 outings.
Mackie then spent six years at QPR, two of which were in the Premier League, and added a further 24 goals from 151 appearances.
He spent one season at Nottingham Forest and one on loan at Reading before joining the U’s. He also earned nine caps for Scotland.
