Football retirements do not always last forever.
Many players walk away from the game only to feel the pull of the pitch once again.
Across English football, the lower divisions have often attracted former professionals looking to play again.
These appearances can create huge buzz around smaller clubs.
Fans often turn out simply to see a familiar name back in action, which appears to be exactly what has happened this week.
According to The Sun, Danny Simpson has come out of retirement to play for non-league side Stretford Paddock.
The 39-year-old featured for the club in a Cheshire Association Football League fixture.
The division sits around the 12th tier of English football.
Despite the unusual setting, Simpson’s return still drew plenty of attention.
He started the match as Stretford Paddock faced Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserve.
The game ended in a dramatic 5-3 victory for Simpson’s side.
Simpson’s career includes a long list of clubs across English football.
The defender originally came through the academy at Manchester United, however, his most famous spell arrived later in his career.
Simpson was part of Leicester City’s historic 2015-16 Premier League title-winning squad under Claudio Ranieri.
That season remains one of the greatest underdog stories in football history.
The full-back played regularly during Leicester’s remarkable run.
Across his career, Simpson also represented clubs such as Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Huddersfield Town and Bristol City.
He initially retired from professional football in 2024.
Since then, Simpson has been involved in punditry and influencer boxing.
His appearance for Stretford Paddock therefore came as a surprise to many fans.
It is currently unclear whether the defender will continue playing for the club.
However, one thing is certain.
A Premier League winner has officially stepped back onto the pitch.
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