Jonny Hayes has thanked every club that gave him the opportunity to live his dream as a professional footballer.

Hayes pulled the curtain down on his playing career at the end of last season after representing Aberdeen, Celtic, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Leicester City, Cheltenham Town and Reading across a near 20 year period. 

The 37-year-old first won the 2014 League Cup while with Aberdeen before getting his hands on the trophy on another two occasions at Celtic.

He lifted the Scottish Premiership three times and has two Scottish Cup honours to his name from that same spell in Glasgow. 

Now the former Republic of Ireland international has taken up a coaching role within Celtic's youth academy, rejecting the opportunity to remain a youth coach at Aberdeen, who he represented during his final four seasons, in the process.

Writing an emotional message on Instagram to mark the end of an era, the Irishman said: "It's hard to believe that over 20 years have passed since I made the move from Ireland to begin my career as a professional footballer.

"The time has finally come for me to end my playing days but what a journey it has been. I never expected there to be so many highs and lows, and yet I wouldn't change a thing.

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"I'm grateful to every club that gave me the opportunity to play for them. Even when things didn't work out as well as I would have liked, I always tried to imagine what fans would expect from players who represent them on the field, and because of that, I always tried my best.

"I have had the privilege of being a part of some terrific changing rooms and learned from managers who taught me how to be a better footballer as well as a better person. 

"I've had the tremendous experience of travelling to play in places I would never have thought of visiting if it wasn't for football. Creating memories with some friends for life that were only brought together because of our love of football. I will always be thankful for that.

"To every single person that has supported me over the last two decades, thank you. Teammates, coaches, colleagues and fans, even ones that gave me the odd bit of stick, you have all helped create a brilliant experience for me. Without the adulation from the stars, the game itself would be meaningless.

"A four-year-old with inflatable goals whose parents never missed a game, worked extra shifts top buy me the latest football boots. They could have never imagined this. I was be forever indebted to them for the sacrifices they made for me. I'd like to think my work ethic is the least I took from them.

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"Finally, a massive thank you to my biggest supporters; Sarah, Jackson and Charlotte. 

"The emotional rollercoaster that is a football career requires a lot of support. Most of that is out with the public eye so it's hard to explain where I would be without them. I'm so grateful to have had Sarah and wonderful kids by my side, being part of some of my fondest football memories.

"Thankfully, I have had time over the last few years to prepare for my next chapter in football and coaching is something I am really looking forward to."