Former Tottenham and Netherlands goalkeeper Vorm retires

Former Tottenham and Netherlands goalkeeper Michael Vorm has announced his retirement.

The 37-year-old left Spurs in July when a short-term contract expired and, on Monday, he confirmed his playing days are officially over.

In a statement accompanied by a reflective video posted to Instagram, Vorm said: "I decided to retire from playing professional football.

"I couldn't possibly imagine as a little kid growing up in Nieuwegein that it was possible to sign my first professional contract at Utrecht, make my professional debut at Den Bosch (on loan) and come back to Utrecht to win the play-offs and play European football.

"And if that wasn't enough, I got the opportunity to play in the Premier League for Swansea City (and be part of their history by winning their first ever point in the Premier League).

"Playing with and against the best players around me gave me the opportunity to keep developing myself and sign for Spurs and made me be able to be part of their history, and especially the (incredible) road to the Champions League final.

"I am thankful to play for all these clubs and honoured that I was able to represent my country on international tournaments. A gold medal at the Under-21 European Championship, a silver medal during the World Cup 2010 and a bronze medal at the World Cup 2014… and I played in that last World Cup."

Vorm spent two spells at his most recent employers, Spurs. Having joined from Swansea in 2014, he initially left in 2019 but was re-signed as an emergency backup in October after Hugo Lloris suffered a serious injury.

Michel Vorm has announced his retirement from football. Thank you for everything and best of luck in your next chapter, @Vorm_Official! #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/wQuJfWjfoX

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 26, 2020

The Dutchman was never first choice at the club, failing to dislodge Lloris as number one and was then back-up to Paolo Gazzaniga when the France international was out injured.

Vorm played 48 times for Spurs across all competitions, including 13 in the Premier League, keeping three clean sheets – that is just one less than Gazzaniga, despite him playing nine more top-flight games.

He conceded 13 goals across those 13 appearances (1.03 per 90 minutes), compared to 28 in 22 (1.28 per 90 minutes) for Gazzaniga.

In a six-year spell at international level, Vorm earned 15 caps.

Wishing former #Swans keeper @Vorm_Official a very happy retirement! All the best, Michel pic.twitter.com/hM8wwTfHEz

— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) October 26, 2020