Scott Parker announced his retirement from professional football this week, bringing an end to a 20-year career that saw him play for five London clubs, as well as Newcastle United.
Starting his career at Charlton, he then went to Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham, before his final move took him to Craven Cottage and Fulham, where he captained the side before retiring after four years in west London.
He also captained England against Holland in 2012, before playing every game in the Euro 2012 tournament under Roy Hodgson before being knocked out by Italy in the quarter finals.
We asked our reporters from the teams Parker played for over the years for their memories of him - here's what they had to say:
Ryan O'Donovan, Fulham reporter for GetWestLondon
"Scott Parker defines what it means to be a footballer to me.
"Growing up, I'd watch Match of the Day and see Parker with his shirt tucked in and his black boots as he charged around the midfield, barking orders and leading from the front.
"Despite becoming a back up player at Fulham towards the end, he still led by example and his experience was there for all to see as he helped a young side to the Play-offs last season.
"The picture below, in the game against Leeds, is why I'll always be glad I saw Parker play - he never lost his competitive streak or will to win, despite not playing regularly at the club.
"He stayed at the club when others left at the lowest point, and for that he'll always be remembered fondly at Craven Cottage."
Clive Youlton, Charlton reporter for KentLive
"A dynamic box to box midfielder, he was at Charlton Athletic from the age of eight and went on to become one of their best-known players.
"He signed pro at The Valley in October 1997 but didn't really play much for two years before a spell at Norwich City on loan sparked his career.
"He returned to Charlton, then in the Premier League, and took the place of injured Mark Kinsella, then becoming the linchpin of the Charlton midfield until 2004. I always felt his move to Chelsea for £10m was the wrong one in terms of playing career. He only played 15 times for the Blues, hardly getting a game, becoming a small fish in a very large pond having been so prominent at The Valley."
Oliver Harbord, Chelsea reporter for Football.London
"Eyebrows were raised when Scott Parker made the move from Charlton Athletic to Chelsea, especially for the price tag of £10m. That was a pretty hefty price tag back in 2004, and was one of the big-money targets that Roman Abramovich brought in after taking over the Blues.
"But Parker was never really given the chance to show what he can do for Chelsea, with just 11 Premier League appearances in the 2003/04 season and four in the following campaign.
"A broken metatarsal also didn't help his progress for Chelsea, and an influx of talent swarmed into the club which meant that there was no space for Parker to really burst through.
"However, Parker did have some effect with the club, with his obvious leadership abilities shown through the dressing room. That was highlighted by John Terry's farewell post on Instagram, saying: "An infectious desire to win and some of the best pre game speeches I have heard. A GREAT player and friend."
"That sums up Parker's personality, however Chelsea fans never really got to see the full extent of his abilities at Stamford Bridge."
Lee Ryder, Chief Sports writer for the Chronicle
"There was one point during Scott Parker's career at Newcastle that he'd ran himself into the ground so much that he passed out in front of the Press box!
"That was the type of player Parker was for the Magpies. He put himself about as we say up here.
"In another game against Manchester United he kicked a young Ronaldo from pillar to post. The fans loved it.
"He was capable of scoring the odd goal too and grabbed six goals during his time at United, the best against his old club Charlton at the Valley from 30 yards or more.
"He left Newcastle after what was then considered a bad season to finish mid-table. Glenn Roeder had appointed him captain in a season in which Newcastle lost Michael Owen to injury.
"Had Owen not been injured at the World Cup I am convinced the season could have been different.
"Newcastle made it to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup and Parker scored a goal that was then chalked off.
"It would have sent United into the last eight.
"It didn't - Roeder was fired a few weeks later and Parker would follow him soon after.
"Still, he's a player that is remembered for his battling skills."
Sam Inkersole, West Ham reporter for Football.London
"Scott Parker put in nothing but 100 per cent in a West Ham shirt, no question.
"In 2011 he was voted Footballs Writers Footballer of the Year in what many Hammers fans will agree was not one of the greatest squads ever assembled.
"Hammer of the Year for two years running in 2009 and 2010 as well as he forced his way back into the England set up, Parker was the epitome of what a West Ham midfielder should be.
"Some fans won't forgive him for leaving the club to join Spurs - sacrilege if ever there was - but his legacy will never be tarnished in claret and blue by the vast majority."
Alasdair Gold, Tottenham reporter for Football.London
"Scott Parker was a battler. That's what everyone in and around at Spurs will remember him as. He summed up Harry Redknapp's classic "triffic fella" mentality when it came to new signings.
"Parker was superb in his first season or so at the club, driving the team on, battling for everything and giving a platform for others to show off their skills. He may not have been the most spectacular of players, but he was a reliable, popular member of the team and an important voice on the pitch and in the dressing room.
"His legs started to go a bit in his final year, but he'll always be remembered fondly at the club. The news that he might be coming back as a coach in the academy has gone down well with the fans and if he can translate his grounded nature to many of those youngsters then they'll all have a brighter future for it."
