Jamie Carragher has explained that being embarrassed by Everton star Romelu Lukaku was one of the main reasons behind his retirement.

Lukaku has emerged as one of the best strikers in the Premier League in recent seasons and the Belgian international has been in fine form again for the Toffees this season, already notching an impressive 17 goals.

Liverpool legend Carragher is among the many admirers of Lukaku and the Sky Sports pundit has now revealed how the ex-West Bromwich Albion striker was one of the reasons as to why he hung up his boots a few years ago.

When asked on Sky Sports if he would like to go head-to-head with Lukaku, Carragher said: "No!

"I didn't want to go head-to-head with him when he was 17-18 and coming onto the scene.

"I've still got visions of coming on as a sub for Liverpool away at West Brom three or four years ago. I tried to steal a ball from in front of him and he rolled me and ran away.

"He was one of the reasons why I retired. Seeing players of that ability and strength, I thought it was time for me to finish."