The veteran goalkeeper hangs up his gloves after an epic career spanning a quarter of a century.
Gordon expressed gratitude for his career, stating: "I’ve never wanted it to end, but end it must. I have lived my dreams and for that, I am so thankful, thankful for my team-mates and coaches pushing me all the way, thankful for my opponents for spurring me on, thankful for the medical staff who have worked with me through the years, thankful to my loved ones for their support and thankful to the fans for being behind me for 24 years." Concluding his message, the veteran goalkeeper addressed the supporters directly: "Now the gloves are finally off, I bid farewell to my playing career. You the fans have given me everything and it has been a privilege to represent you. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Gordon made one of the most famous saves in Premier League history when he denied Bolton Wanderers' Zat Knight from close range in 2010. However, a serious knee injury affected his time at the Stadium of Light and, at the end of his five-year spell, he entered a two-year spell out of the game rehabilitating and coaching.