ROBBIE Savage brings the curtain down on his eventful career today at a ground that witnessed one of his most eventful matches.

Savage is to hang up his boots after Derby County's final fixture of the Championship season against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

He has made 630 appearances in his 17 years as a professional footballer since his debut for Crewe Alexandra in 1994.

This afternoon he is set to make his 631st and final appearance.

"This life (as a footballer) has been surreal. It really has been amazing, especially at Derby," said Savage.

"I never imagined when I got released by Manchester United that I would go on to have the career I've had.

"To play 630 games is a massive achievement and I am very proud of that.

"When I come off the pitch today, I will be Robbie Savage the ex-footballer.

"I think it will be at that moment that it will all sink in."

Savage was wearing goalkeeper gloves the last time he walked off the pitch at Reading.

The 36-year-old had started the game in his usual position in the middle of midfield but everything that could go wrong for Derby did go wrong.

Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater was injured and replaced by Saul Deeney after only 13 minutes.

Deeney's debut lasted only 28 minutes before he was sent off after he conceded a penalty.

Savage went in goal and watched as Shane Long wasted the penalty by wildly blasting over.

The former Wales international then denied Reading with a string of good saves.

He was beaten twice in the second half as the Royals went on to win 4-1 but Savage earned tongue-in-cheek praise from manager Nigel Clough, who said: "Robbie was probably better in goal than he was in midfield on the night!"

Savage, who turns 37 in October, has played for six different clubs – Crewe, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Derby and Brighton, on loan.

"I think I could carry on, but the time is right," he said.

"I would look stupid if I did a U-turn now after everything everyone has done for me in the last few weeks.

"I would have loved to have finished in the Premier League but the last two and a half years in the Championship with Derby have been amazing.

"Let's be honest, no other club would have let me do my media work and carry on playing like I have.

"That is down to Nigel Clough and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me.

"I was finished when he took over. I had been on loan at Brighton and I don't think anyone, even me, thought I would force my way back in at Derby and perform like I have."