Former Norwich City goalkeeper Michael McGovern has officially announced his retirement from professional football. 

The Northern Irish international, 40, has called time on a career that spanned more than 20 years, featured 10 clubs and saw him make 402 appearances in Scottish, English and international football. 

McGovern was a long-serving member of City's goalkeeping stable between 2016 and 2023, playing a key role in supporting the other shot-stoppers and featured 42 times during his spell with the Canaries. 

That included two Premier League appearances, and McGovern was part of both squads that won the Championship title under Daniel Farke in 2018/19 and 2020/21. 

Writing on his personal Instagram account, McGovern said: "New beginnings! After 23 seasons playing professional football, I have decided to hang up the gloves. 

"I'm deeply grateful to all the coaches, teammates and fans who have supported me throughout the years. A special thank you to my family for all the sacrifices they have made so that I could chase my dreams. 

"I look forward to my next adventure as head of goalkeeping at Queens Park." 

Norwich signed McGovern on a free transfer from Scottish side Hamilton in the summer of 2016 after some impressive performances in the European Championships for his country. His pre-existing relationship with then-boss Alex Neil played a key part in his decision to move to Norfolk. 

The bulk of his City appearances came in the year that followed, but McGovern was liked and considered reliable by Farke throughout his spell in charge, even if that often saw him fall to third choice. 

After being released by the Canaries in the summer of 2023, McGovern returned to Scotland and joined Hearts. He enjoyed a brief spell on loan at Livingston before the end of the campaign. 

McGovern's seven years at City was the longest spell with any club throughout his career and he reflected on it with real pride upon his departure last summer. 

McGovern was a popular figure during his seven-year spell at Norwich City.McGovern was a popular figure during his seven-year spell at Norwich City. (Image: Michael Sedgwick/Focus Images Ltd)

"It hasn't really sunk in yet that I'm going to be leaving. Seven years is a long time, a significant period being here. It's been a big part of my career," he told club channels in 2023. 

"I'm probably [proudest of] the two promotions, the second one especially, because I played a number of games when Tim was injured, helped the team get some points, that was a proud moment for me.

"Just the longevity of my time here. It was tough when I first came, first season especially, and I've stuck in there, worked hard.

"Seven years is a long time, I've signed three contracts, played in the Premier League. I'm most proud of the character I've shown, with the setbacks I've had sometimes."