Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan has announced his retirement from inter-county football.

O'Sullivan made his championship debut for the Kingdom against Tipperary in 2003 and won every honour available to him in his 11 years on the panel.

The Dromid Pearses forward made 70 championship appearances for Kerry in total, the last of which came in September's All-Ireland SFC final victory over Donegal, while he also has the distinction of being one of only eight players to lift the Sam Maguire Cup more than once after captaining his native county to back-to-back success in 2006 and 2007.

As well as earning five Celtic Crosses, O'Sullivan won eight Munster SFC titles, three National League crowns and three consecutive All Star awards between 2007 and 2009.

"Today, I would like to announce my retirement from inter-county football," O'Sullivan confirmed in a statement released via the Kerry GAA website.

"It has been an incredibly difficult decision to arrive at but, after a lot of consideration, I feel now is the right time. Unfortunately, due to some long-standing injuries, it would be impossible for me to physically compete at the required level in 2015.

"Hopefully, after a long rest and some corrective work on my knees, I will be able to enjoy playing with my club for a number of years to come."

Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice paid tribute to O'Sullivan, who turns 31 next month, lauding his characteristics which have shone through for the team over the last decade. 

"On behalf of the Kerry management and players I would like to congratulate Declan O'Sullivan on his retirement.  He has won everything and has lifted Sam Maguire twice as captain. His honesty, the warrior like way he leads by example and his innate football ability meant his team mates loved him.

"He also has a stubborn streak that meant he always fought his corner obstinately, be it in an argument or to win a breaking ball that might turn a game. His display in the Munster final was one of the great performances. He was always excellent at reading what a game required and delivering that."

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