Mike Dean celebrates retirement with pool party as guests all wear footy shirts

Legendary referee Mike Dean had a retirement party that saw all guests sport football shirts.

Dean blew the whistle on his time as a referee at the end of last season after 22 years as one of the game's best shot-callers. The 54-year-old oversaw 569 games during his time and earned the label of an "arrogant entertainer," – a moniker he doesn't mind having.

Dean put on his refereeing clobber for the last time when Chelsea played Watford last May. And he revealed he played classic song 'The Final Countdown' in the dressing room, prior to kick-off.

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But Dean's had little time to bask in his retirement as he returned to the Premier League as a VAR official this season.

However, he's finally found some time to celebrate his former role as a ref by throwing a farewell do, which was shown on his Instagram story.

Guests at the party that was held at a villa in Spain with a pool, were all wearing football shirts of a slew of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. And one fan was seen in England's iconic Euro 1996 shirt, as those in attendance were serenaded by a guitarist.

But Dean stayed loyal to his roots and wore the shirt of his beloved Tranmere Rovers, sporting their green kit from the 2016/17 season.

What's your most iconic memory of Mike Dean from his time as a Premier League referee? Let us know in the comments section

There was even a pool table in the middle of the party that was draped in a banner which read: "Happy retirement Mike," along with his career accolades.

Dean seemed delighted by the turnout as he grinned whilst taking photos with guests. And one thing attendees weren't short of was beer, after Dean took a weekend off from VAR action to stock up on the beverages.

He posted a pic of the beer-filled fridge on Instagram story, and said, reported by The Sun: "Outdoor fridge fully stocked ready for the invasion."

And Dean will take a further break from VAR duties at the World Cup this month when he will become a pundit for beIN Sports to provide analysis of games.

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