EX-ENGLAND KEEPER RETIRES Seaman career stats James set for Man City Seaman career in pictures

David Seaman's mentor and former coach Bob Wilson has delivered a glowing tribute after the veteran goalkeeper ended his glittering career.

Manchester City's 40-year-old goalkeeper decided to quit after suffering a serious shoulder injury that prompted boss Kevin Keegan to sign his England successor David James from West Ham.

Wilson, who was Seaman's coach at Arsenal during his Highbury career, believes he will stay in the game.

He told BBC Radio Four's Today programme: "I think it's an absolute certainty that he will become a goalkeeping coach.

"He will continue to do work on the television front but I think his main aim will be to give back to the game what he got out of it - and that is of course an enormous amount, nine winning medals at major levels and seven runners-up medals.

"He wants to give back to youngsters at a time when the goalkeeping art is more difficult than it's ever been. He will be a fantastic ambassador for goalkeeping and the goalkeeping union."

It's been a privilege to work with him for the last 15 years Bob Wilson on David Seaman

Seaman was "remarkably upbeat" when he telephoned Wilson with news of his retirement, and Wilson insisted the shoulder injury was the final straw.

Wilson said: "In his mind, the spirit is willing but the flesh is a little bit weak. At 40, going into his 41st year, that is understandable.

"He's hugely disappointed that he's not seen out the one season that he was hoping to see out with Manchester City."

Wilson felt Seaman was right not to retire after the 2002 World Cup, which ended in disappointment for the England stopper when he was caught off his line by Ronaldinho as Brazil progressed to the semi-finals.

"I think back on the way he performed in Arsenal winning the FA Cup last season, where he was instrumental in two truly amazing saves, one from Sheffield United's Paul Peschisolido and one from Southampton's Brett Ormerod in the final.

"If anybody said to him `look, you'll know yourself' it is time to quit, it was me.

"You can play at 40 years of age as long as you don't sustain a serious injury. But the shoulder injury was serious, it would leave him with about five or six weeks of the season left.

"Kevin Keegan obviously can't afford that at this time and he's got a chance to sign the current England number one."

Wilson believes Seaman was one of the world's best at his peak and will be remembered as a great sportsman.

"He was acknowledged as the top keeper in the world by Fifa and Uefa after Euro 96 and he had a spell of two or three years when he and Peter Schmeichel reigned supreme throughout the world," he said.

"He's a guy who at the end of every game, win lose or draw, he put his arm around the opposition and said `well done mate'. It's been a privilege to work with him for the last 15 years."