Many West Bromwich Albion fans lauded former player Gareth McAuley after he announced his retirement from football.
The Northern Ireland international made 227 appearances for the Baggies, scoring 17 goals and assisting a further six (via Transfermarkt).
His highlight with the club proved to be the 2012/13 top flight campaign, where the Irishman won player of the season (via Birmingham Mail).
McAuley also had the opportunity to play in a major international tournament for Northern Ireland, appearing and scoring at Euro 2016.
His spell at West Brom ended at the end of the 2017/18 season after the expiration of his contract. He moved to Scotland and signed for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers on a year-long deal (via BBC).
Many fans of the club were left praising the defender after his seven-year stay at the club as they took to Twitter to react.
Here is a selection of tweets from some of the Hawthorns faithful after McAuley’s retirement from football:
I remember moaning like crazy that we signed him for free rather than spending money on Micah Richards. So I guess i’ve got no future in scouting. Absolute Legend.
— Richard McGovern (@rchrdmcgvrn) September 30, 2019
Most underrated defender & best free transfer in the history of football
— Sarah (@sarahWBA_x) September 30, 2019
Best free signing we have ever made imo
— Stuart Hunt (@huntywbafc) September 30, 2019
I wish all pros were made of the same stuff, amazing.
— Nick (@nick_wba) September 30, 2019
Brilliant player!
— Damien Conway (@DamoWBA) September 30, 2019
One of the greatest signings this club has ever made. Free agent in the modern market was madness #wba
— James Hamilton (@JamesHamiltonGK) September 30, 2019
What did you think of McAuley as a player for West Brom? Let us know your views by commenting below!
