Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Thu 30 April 2026 18:10, UK

Leeds United loanee Jack Harrison has branded Ashley Young a “legend” after the veteran announced he is retiring.

The Ipswich Town defender revealed on Thursday that he will hang up his boots at the end of the season after 23 years as a professional.

The 40-year-old enjoyed a glittering career, playing for the likes of Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton.

He transitioned from being a winger to a full-back as his career progressed, while also winning 39 caps for England.

Leeds loanee Harrison, who is currently playing for Fiorentina, has now joined the masses in wishing Young the best as he prepares to bow out from the sport.

Ashley Young hopes for one last hurrah

Young announced this news off the back of an injury-hit season for Championship promotion-chasers Ipswich.

He has been restricted to 13 games this season, with Young’s last match for the Tractor Boys coming back in January.

However, he is hoping to feature as second-placed Ipswich take on Queens Park Rangers in the final game of the season. Now, he is bringing down the curtain on his storied career.

In an Instagram post, Young wrote: “From Sefton Road to Vicarage Road to Villa Park to Wembley to Old Trafford to San Siro back to Villa Park to Goodison Park and finally to Portman Road.

“It’s been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy! But with this dream, there has to be an ending, and Saturday might be the Last Game Of My Professional Career. 23 years and out. To be continued…”

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A post shared by Ashley Young (@youngy_18)

Harrison, who played alongside Young when the pair were at Everton between 2023 and 2025, branded the former England international as a “legend” in the comments.

Will Jack Harrison say goodbye to Leeds?

Harrison decided against playing for Leeds in their two most recent seasons in the Championship, with the winger preferring to head out on loan to Everton in that stretch.

After an underwhelming start to this season, the 29-year-old headed out on loan to Fiorentina in January, but so far, it has been a mixed bag for him.

While his work rate and attitude have not been questioned, his quality has.

Fiorentina have a buy option, but for now, Leeds may have to take back Harrison in the summer.