Gary has decided to retire from football at the ripe old age of 36.
He has been without a club since leaving Bournemouth in the summer.
He believes now is the right time to stop playing.
"Obviously, it's been a tough decision in some aspects but I think I just knew the journey had to end at some point." I think it's the right time.
There were options for me. It's flattering to still get offers even though I could have played in the premier league with one side.
My kids are settled at school and I wouldn't want them to move again.
In September 2010 he earned his first cap for England in a victory over Bulgaria. He was the firstBolton player to play for England in a decade.
At the time, a lot of the England squad were in top teams, so it was huge.
They gave me the opportunity to learn, make mistakes, and grow as a man because they put me in the team week-in, week-out.
In the January 2012 transfer window, he was bought for £7m, making him the most expensive player in the history of the club. He was a member of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2012 and he collected eight major honours during his time at the club.
It was the highlight of your playing days to be a part of such a successful team.
When you first start playing, you want to be a part of a team that can compete and win.
Being in a changing room with such big figures that were there at the time - the list was huge - players who have gone on and achieved so many great things in the game was an amazing experience for me.
During his two-year spell at Crystal Palace, he made 47 appearances in all competitions and was a part of the England team that won the World Cup.
After weeks of talks with the Eagles, the centre-back joined Bournemouth on a short-term deal for the next two seasons.
Even though he made 22 league appearances in the Cherries' promotion from the Championship, he didn't get a new contract and he's not sure if he'll go into management or coaching.
I don't know yet what I'll do. I would like to take a break from football and just enjoy watching it.
I will spend some time with the family because I am conscious of not diving into something immediately. I'll make a decision after Christmas.
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