The 33-year-old defender has not played since he suffered a serious knee injury during Leeds United’s Championship clash with Cardiff City in April 2012.
But he is staying in football after taking up the role of under-16s coach at Elland Road.
“I’ve been advised by the surgeon Andrew Williams to retire from the game,” Bromby told the official Leeds United website.
“It’s become clear over the last 14 months that I wouldn’t be able to continue in a playing capacity and it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to formally retire as a player.
“People say as one door closes another opens and I’d like to thank Leeds United for giving me the opportunity to take my first steps in coaching with the Under-16s.
“The club were good enough to allow me to gain experience last season by working with young players and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue that work on a full-time basis now.
“I’ve had a wonderful career, and played for some wonderful clubs, and I wanted to finish at a club I’ve always supported.
“I’d like to thank the physios at Leeds, Harvey Sharman and Paul Perkins in particular, for their hard work and support during what was a tough year.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you to my family, who have supported me throughout my whole career and helped me achieve my dreams.”
Bromby made 388 career appearances after starting out with Sheffield Wednesday. He went on to make 100 appearances for the Owls and clocked up over 100 for Sheffield United where he won promotion to the Premier League in 2007.
He made 66 appearances for Leeds, scoring one goal, and was part of the League One promotion squad in 2010.
“My personal highlights were winning promotion with Sheffield United and winning promotion with Leeds,” Bromby added.
“The aim when I came to Leeds was to win promotion back to the Premier League and I hope that can still be achieved while I’m at the club.”