On This Day – 13th January
After a career spanning 23 years, David Seaman finally announced his retirement from the game on this day back in 2004.
Nicknamed ‘Safe Hands’ as he was known for being a reliable goalkeeper, Seaman won 75 caps for England. This made him the second most-capped goalkeeper for the England national team with only Peter Shilton winning more caps (125).
Seaman played in two World Cups and two European Championships, enjoying being a hero in Euro 96 before becoming the villain at the 2002 World Cup. His penalty save against Scotland in the group stages and then against Spain in the Quarter Finals made him a national hero. Six years later, he let a free kick from Ronaldinho sail over his head into the far corner of the net in the Quarter Final against Brazil It proved to be the winning goal and Seaman left the pitch in tears.
Seaman began his career at Leeds United but failed to break into the first team. He moved to Fourth Division Peterborough United where he spent two seasons before moving to Second Division Birmingham City early in the 1984/85 season.
After two seasons at Birmingham, Seaman moved to Queens Park Rangers, where he made his first appearance for England against Saudi Arabia in 1988. He drew the attention of Arsenal manager George Graham, who came in and signed Seaman for £1.3million, replacing the popular John Lukic as the number one at Highbury.
His solid performances between the sticks helped Arsenal win the league championship in his first season at the club. These performances won over the Arsenal faithful.
Seaman would stay at Arsenal until 2003, winning two League and FA Cup Doubles in 1997/98 and 2001/02, two FA Cups, a League Cup and the Cup Winner’s Cup.
In the summer of 2003, Seaman moved to Manchester City where he made 26 appearances before announcing his retirement on 13th January 2004.
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