In the world of football, few players can claim a career as lengthy and distinguished as that of Dean Lewington, a name synonymous with dedication and resilience on the pitch. Once candidly describing himself as a 'footballing dinosaur,' Lewington has embraced the evolution of the game, even as he has felt the inexorable passage of time bearing down upon him. In an interview during the autumn of 2022, as he approached the milestone of 900 matches, he reflected on the perception of older players in modern football. He remarked, 'As you get older, especially the way modern football is going, over 30s are seen as prehistoric really.'

As he nears his 41st birthday, Lewington has made the heartfelt decision to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the current season. This marks the end of an era for the MK Dons defender, who stands among an elite group of players, including the legendary Peter Shilton, Tony Ford, Graham Alexander, and Terry Paine, all of whom have surpassed his remarkable tally of senior games played in English football.

In a candid conversation with BBC Look East, Lewington expressed his mixed emotions about his impending retirement. He stated, 'It feels quite surreal. Beforehand 'retiring' is just a word, it sounds OK, and then it dawned on me that I won't get to play football [any more], which is a little bit scary now that it's come to it.' This sentiment reflects the deep bond that professional athletes often develop with their sport, making the transition away from it a profoundly emotional experience.

Lewington revealed that the contemplation of retirement had been on his mind for at least two years, and he ultimately recognized that now is the right time to step back from the game that has defined almost his entire life. He shared, 'I was in a Sunday league team at six, in an academy at eight, and I'm now about to turn 41, so three quarters of my life has been playing football.' This reflection underscores the significant role that football has played in shaping his identity and life experiences.

The decision to retire signifies not only a personal milestone for Lewington but also a significant moment for MK Dons, where he has spent a large portion of his career. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the team and among the fans who have watched him grow from a young talent into an experienced professional. As he prepares for the next chapter of his life, he acknowledges that this transition will bring about considerable changes, stating, 'My whole life will change and that part is unfortunately coming to an end.'