Former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt has announced his retirement from playing professional football.

Kuyt, who joined the Reds from Feyenoord in August 2006, scored 71 goals in 285 appearances during his six-year stay on Merseyside.

The Dutchman's tireless work ethic and penchant for netting vital goals endeared him to his teammates as well as Liverpool's fans, with his popularity among the Anfield faithful not having diminshed since he left for Fenerbahce in 2012.

His switch to Turkey came at the end of a season in which he had helped the Reds to League Cup glory by scoring in extra-time and the penalty shootout of the final against Cardiff City.

Kuyt, who represented his country 104 times and played in the 2010 World Cup final, rounded off his playing career in fairytale fashion on Sunday by scoring a hat-trick to seal Feyenoord's first Eredivisie title since 1999.

The 36-year-old will remain with Feyenoord - who he rejoined two years ago - in a non-playing capacity, with the Dutch champions confirming he is to train with the aim of joining their technical management team.

"Throughout my career I have always followed my heart when taking decisions and that goes for this one too," Kuyt said.

"To me this feels like the right time to retire. I have had two fantastic years here since returning to Feyenoord, with this season's title as the absolute pinnacle. I had the dream of winning trophies and becoming a champion with Feyenoord. All my dreams have come true."