PREMIER LEAGUE mainstay Darren Cann has officially retired from assistant refereeing.
Cann, 58, has been running the line in the English top-flight for over 25 years and is one of the most recognised officials in the country.
But after helping officiate 579 Premier League fixtures – the most of any official in the competition’s history – the veteran linesman has decided to hang up his flag.
Cann’s final Prem appearance came in Manchester City’s 5-2 win over Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Ahead of the game, Cann, who reffed over 1000 games in his career, said: “It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.
“Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever.
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“But, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career.
“I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.
“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”
Cann, who played in Crystal Palace’s youth team as a striker alongside Ian Wright, began his refereeing journey in 1991.
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It would take him ten years to be promoted to the Football League, where he’d officiate for four years.
Cann would go on to represent England on the global stage, taking part in 140 international fixtures – including games at the Euro 2008 and the 2010 and 2014 World Cups in South Africa and Brazil.
He was part of the refereeing team that officiated the 2010 Champions League and World Cup finals, which were contested by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan and Spain and the Netherlands, respectively.
PMGOL chief Howard Webb, who knows Cann all too well having worked alongside him in the Champions League and World Cup finals, was quick to pay tribute to the retiring official.
He said: “As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches.
“He is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction.
“His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.
“We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field.
“Though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
