Conor Washington enjoyed the high of promotion and the low of injury at Pride Park.
Conor Washington has described dropping out of professional football as “emotional”.
The 33-year-old striker has signed for non-league Matlock Town after his contract at Derby County expired this summer.
And he said on social media: “An emotional day as I drop out of full time football and back into the part time scene where it all began.
“From Step 5 to Step 4 in 13 years , with some other stuff inbetween. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined the career I’ve managed to have and I’m grateful for every single memory.
“From never setting foot in an academy, turning pro at 19 in the Conference in 2012 to lacing them up against Germany in Euro 2016 – seems like a fairy tale.
“Three promotions, a relegation and some amazing clubs along the way.
“The setbacks, my god there was plenty, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“Really looking forward to combining playing for a really ambitious club and starting the next chapter of my football career.”
Washington scored three times in 19 League One fixtures in his first season at Derby and experienced the joy as they won promotion to the Championship.
But he endured a nightmare final season at Pride Park, failing to play a single Championship game and not even making a matchday squad beyond October as injury hit him hard.
