Jermain Defoe, who played for England, West Ham, Spurs and Rangers, retired from football at the age of 39.
He scored 304 goals in 762 club games and added 20 goals in 57 England appearances.
He spent time at Toronto, Bournemouth, and Pompey during his career.
"It's been a really tough decision," Defoe wrote in a statement.
I made my professional debut at 17-years-old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to quit.
The ninth highest scorer in the league since its formation in 1992-93 has been Diminutive forward Defoe, who scored 162 goals.
He has played in England's top flight for over 500 games.
Bradley Lowery, who died at the age of six after a long cancer illness, was best known for his friendship with Jermain Defoe.
His work with the Jermain Defoe Foundation earned him an OBE in the year 2018.
Football will always be in my blood and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career I have had.
I look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward with this next chapter in my career.
Defoe paid tribute to those closest to him while thanking fans, coaches, team-mates and staff at all his clubs.
I want to say thank you to my mother, she gave me a ball at two years old and made me believe my dream could happen.
More to come.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
