James Tarkowski playing for Everton
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Thu 30 April 2026 10:10, UK
Everton defender James Tarkowski has taken to social media after Ashley Young confirmed his retirement.
The Toffees centre-back has been a virtual ever-present since signing on a free transfer from Burnley in the summer of 2022.
He has gone on to play a key role under David Moyes this season alongside various defensive partners at the back.
Whether it be Jarrad Branthwaite or Michael Keane, the 33-year-old has done well and is clearly a well-respected figure on Merseyside.
It appears that the same can be said of former Blues ace Young as Tarkowski reached out after he confirmed his retirement.
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Ipswich Town star Ashley Young confirms retirement
There hasn’t been a season in which the Englishman hasn’t featured in senior football since making his debut in 2003, before having his true breakthrough year at Watford in 2005.
His career has spanned 23 years, and he has most recently taken him to Championship outfit Ipswich Town.
Year(s) Club Appearances Goals
2025-26 Ipswich Town 15 0
2023-25 Everton 70 2
2021-23 Aston Villa 58 1
2020-21 Inter Milan 59 5
2011-20 Manchester United 261 19
2007-11 Aston Villa 184 35
2003-07 Watford 62 17
Ashley Young career stats
The Tractor Boys are just one game away from promotion back to the Premier League, with the versatile full-back featuring across 15 games in all competitions.
Whether they reach the Premier League or not, Young has confirmed that he will retire as a player at the end of the campaign.
He released a statement on Instagram on Thursday, reading: “From Sefton Road to Vicarage Road to Villa Park to Wembley to Old Trafford to San Siro back to Villa Park to Goodison Park and finally to Portman Road.
“It’s been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy. But with this dream, there has to be an ending, and Saturday might be the last game of my professional career. 23 years and out.”
Tarkowski and Everton stars react to Young’s retirement
It is clear that the ex-England international has left a massively positive impression on the Toffees’ squad despite leaving last summer.
He featured on Merseyside across two seasons and made 70 appearances while making plenty of friends, if his comments section is anything to go by.
Tarkowski was quick to react to the retirement announcement, replying with a one-word message: “Legend”.
Everton Ashley Young James Tarkowski Instagram
That sums up the feeling surrounding Young, who has also seen messages be sent from former Everton aces Jesper Lindstrom, Asmir Begovic and Joleon Lescott.
Current L3 stars Dwight McNeil, Iliman Ndiaye and Tim Iroegbunam have also reacted by leaving a like on the post.
Young clearly made a positive impact with the Goodison club as he receives his congratulations at the end of a stellar career.
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