CNN.com - Knee injury ends Shearer's career

Shearer celebrates scoring against Sunderland in what turned out to be his final match.

LONDON, England -- Newcastle captain Alan Shearer confirmed on Saturday that his career is over after suffering a knee ligament injury.

The former England striker had already announced his retirement at the end of the season but in a cruel twist of fate his farewell has been cut short.

"That's it. It's all over," Shearer told the Sun newspaper.

"There's a tear in the medial ligament which, although it does not require an operation, means I will be in a knee brace for a few weeks.

"Deep down I knew when I limped out of the Stadium of Light that it was probably the end and I think the fans knew it as well. They know I don't stay down unless I'm badly hurt.

"It's disappointing, but I've got no regrets. I've had a great career."

The 35-year-old at least had the satisfaction of scoring for Newcastle in their 4-1 win over local rivals Sunderland on Monday.

Shearer grabbed his 206th Newcastle goal from the penalty spot shortly before limping off.

In all he scored 379 goals in 733 club appearances in an 18-year career which started at Southampton and also took in a high-profile spell at Blackburn. He also netted 30 times in 63 appearances for England.

His legendary status at Newcastle was confirmed in February when he overtook Jackie Milburn to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer.

Shearer joined Newcastle from Blackburn for a then record 15 million pounds in 1996 but his only major honor came when he won the Premiership with Rovers in 1995.

Shearer added: "My dream as a kid was to play for Newcastle United and to score goals at St James' Park. It doesn't matter that I didn't win a trophy because I did it my way and I lived the dream.

"Unless you come from the area you wouldn't understand that mentality. Playing for the club is everything. I broke Jackie's record and no-one can take that away from me. I've never had any regrets.

"I'm finished now and I have great memories. The fact I won't be able to play the last three games is disappointing but I'm not complaining. How could I?"

Newcastle confirmed Shearer would not be playing for them again this season.

A short statement on the club's official Web site read: "Newcastle United have announced that Alan Shearer has suffered a grade two tear to the medial ligament in his left knee.

"As a result, he will not play for the Magpies in the final three remaining Premiership matches of the season."

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