Former Arsenal and England defender Nigel Winterburn has announced his retirement.

The 39-year-old left back, who also played for Wimbledon and West Ham, said his decision to quit was influenced by the death of his father this year.

His best years were undoubtedly spent at Highbury, where he was part of the legendary Arsenal back four which claimed league titles in 1989, 1991 and 1998

Winterburn was also an FA Cup winner in 1993 and 1998 and helped Arsenal to both the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup in a career of 875 senior games.

He told Sky Sports News: "At 39 I don't think I'm capable of playing in the Premier League any longer. I always said I would like to finish at the top.

"My father died in April and that made me realise there is life after football."

Winterburn's career ended on a low note as West Ham were relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season and he was released after his contract expired.

"I said to my agent he could have a look around for me and see if any clubs were interested, but the longer it went on and the more I thought about it it occurred to me that maybe it's time for me to give something back to my family," the Coventry-born left-back added.

"They've spent enough time without me around and hopefully I will spend a bit more time with them now."

Asked what moments in his career he would look back on with most pride, Winterburn answered: "The first league title in 1989 when we won at Anfield.

"We really should have won the league three or four games before and looked like we were going to lose it to Liverpool but then we went up there and won. To do the double in 1998 will stay in my mind as well.

"You just have to move on and accept your time is up. It's difficult to accept for a while, but other people have done it and I'm sure I will cope.

"I would like to try and do a bit of a media work, but I will just wait and see if any offers come in and spend some time with my family."