Nov 1 (Reuters) - Former ⁠Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp ⁠has reversed his decision to retire from ‌professional football and signed for eighth-tier AFC Rushden & Diamonds, the club announced on Sunday.

The 40-year-old Sharp, ​who announced in October ⁠that he was ⁠stepping away from the professional game after a ⁠22-year ‌career, will now continue playing in non-league football and is ⁠expected to feature in Diamonds' FA ​Cup first-round ‌tie at Burton Albion next Saturday.

The ⁠move marks ​a return to the area whereSharp's prolific career first gained momentum. The first of ⁠his 299 professional goals ​came during a loan spell with the original Rushden & Diamonds in 2005.

Rushden & Diamonds went into ⁠liquidation in 2011 after financial problems and was succeeded by phoenix club AFC Rushden & Diamonds, formed by supporters.

Sharp enjoyed ​his greatest success at ⁠Sheffield United, where he helped the side ​to win three promotions, ‌including two to the Premier ​League.

(Reporting by Paras J. Haji in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon)