Football: Goalkeeper earn NZ$3M despite no appearances in four years

Richard Wright playing for Manchester City during a pre-season friendly. Photo / Getty

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Richard Wright has called time on his career at the age of 38.

Wright has not appeared in a competitive match since 2011 - when he played for Ipswich against Reading in the Championship - and decided to retire following the end of City's season on Sunday.

Wright joined City in August 2012 but was no more than a back-up as he never made a single appearance for the club.

Despite his lack of action, Wright was still paid £7,000 a week, totalling £350,000 over the course of a year and £1.4million over four years.

City team-mate Willy Caballero paid tribute. In a post on Instagram, he said: 'All the best in your new chapter.

'It was a pleasure to train and spend two years with you. Thanks for everything, you helped me and I wish you the best for you and your family.'

Wright's career began at Ipswich Town where he made 240 appearances from 1995-2001, before joining Arsenal for a fee of £6m.

Wright could not hold down a place in the first team, though, making just 12 appearances and he left at the end of the 2001-02 season for Everton.

Further spells at West Ham, Southampton on loan, Ipswich Town, Sheffield United and Preston North End - where he spent just one week - followed before he arrived at the Etihad.

Wright won two caps for England in friendlies against Malta in 2000 and Holland in 2001, and was a member of the Euro 2000 squad.

As Wright retires, his 17-year-old son Harry is following in his footsteps after signing a professional contract as a goalkeeper at the end of last year with Ipswich.