Former Blues centre-half Christophe Berra has announced his retirement, aged 37.

The Scotland international was with Town between July 2013 and May 2017 making 182 starts and one sub appearance, scoring 14 times, having signed on a free transfer after leaving Wolves.

He departed Town to return to Scotland when he rejoined Hearts for a second spell and was playing for Raith Rovers last season having spent time on loan at Dundee during his later stint at Tynecastle.

“This was far from an easy decision, but after thinking long and hard, together with the high standards that I set myself on a daily basis, I have decided that the time has come to hang up my boots,” he told the Rovers official website.

“For the benefit of the team, I felt it was the right time to step aside and allow the club to bring in some new players to drive the team forward.

“I have ambitions to return to football in the months ahead but for the time being, I will enjoy some quality time with my family.

“Last but not least, a huge thanks to the players, the manager, the staff and the club, I have enjoyed every minute being in your company, on and off the pitch and I wish you all the very best going forward.

“Finally, I would like to give a special thanks to all the Rovers fans who welcomed me to their club, it has been an honour and privilege. Thank you!”

Berra, who was a member of the Town side which reached the play-offs in 2014/15 but was sent off in the away leg of the semi-final at Norwich, won 41 full Scotland caps, scoring four times, during a career which spanned 20 years.

Photo: Action Images

Suffolkboy added 14:28 - Jul 27 Very often underrated ,he was in fact a good reader of the game and generally was able to stay very fit ; he proved a really solid contributor whose presence was missed ! Very best of luck for the future – make the very most of time with your family ., COYB
12

Hipsterectomy added 14:35 - Jul 27 Thanks Berra. Will never forget the needless handball against Norwich in the play off game.
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OwainG1992 added 14:35 - Jul 27 Very good defender for us.
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Churchman added 15:31 - Jul 27 I thought he was a really good player when he came to us. It was only towards the end of his time with us that age began to show. One of our better defenders in the past 20 years. Over 180 appearance and plenty of international caps - you can't argue with that.
9

muhrensleftfoot added 15:47 - Jul 27 A very good professional, part of McCarthy's best team at Portman Road. However I too can't help remembering the handball v Norwich. We may well have gone to Wembley had we not been reduced to 10 men.
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Steelmonkey added 16:41 - Jul 27 Perhaps we should get him back to show our centre halves how to score from corners, he and Tommy Smith knocked quite a few in for us in their time here. Good luck with your retirement, would think you have a bit to offer back to the game under the right circumstances.
5

ImAbeliever added 18:05 - Jul 27 Class act
5

jfountain93 added 18:31 - Jul 27 He may have hand balled it in that game but without him that season we wouldn't have even been in the playoffs guy was class that entire season!
12

Nomore4 added 18:38 - Jul 27 And in true ITFC fashion (pre 2021) we let him leave for £0.00.
2

Bazza8564 added 19:04 - Jul 27 Good servant to the club, i wish him well for his coaching career> i know his family wanted to return north so I hope he gets an opportunity in the SPL
2

chepstowblue added 20:13 - Jul 27 Terrific defender,and often times a one man back four. Certainly strikes me as managerial material.Good luck to him.
2

Michael101 added 08:30 - Jul 28 14 goals,has any defender scored anywhere near that since?? Something we have been missing a few years now.
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