Duncan Watmore has hung up his boots to take up a new career in business
Former Sunderland forward Duncan Watmore has announced his retirement from professional football.
Watmore, 32, was a free agent after leaving Rotherham United and despite interest from a number of clubs he has decided to begin a new career. Watmore has a first class and a masters degree in business and is joining PEAK4 as Head of Elite Performance & Business Development.
Watmore made a huge impression at Sunderland following his arrival from Altrincham, and was a key figure in Sunderland's successful bid to avoid relegation under Sam Allardyce in 2025/16. However, his progress was badly hampered by two ACL injuries and he departed the club at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Watmore went on to rebuild his career in hugely impressive fashion, becoming a regular at both Middlesbrough and Millwall in the years that followed.
"After a great deal of reflection, I have decided that now is the right time for me to retire from professional football and begin the next chapter of my career," Watmore said.
"Football has given me more than I could ever have imagined.
"I want to sincerely thank every club I've ever played for, my agent, and every manager, coach, physio, doctor, sports scientist, analyst, member of staff, teammate and supporter who has played a part in my journey. There have been amazing moments and difficult setbacks, and the injuries I experienced taught me resilience, perspective and discipline. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for their constant support throughout every high and low.
"I am now genuinely excited to begin a new chapter with PEAK4 as Head of Elite Performance & Business Development. PEAK4's mission to bring the principles of elite sport into business, leadership and workforce wellbeing is something I strongly believe in, and I look forward to helping build something meaningful.
"Thank you for all your support."
Watmore ends his career with over 50 goals in over 300 appearances.
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