Paul Woolston, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, has been forced to retire from the game.
Woolston retired at the age of 23 due to a persistent injury from which he was unable to recover.
Manchester United’s statement said that, “following significant determination to return to fitness, including two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period, Paul has unfortunately had to end his playing career.”
And Woolston added in his own statement “To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now.”
The 23-year-old said he was really proud of everything that he has achieved in football.
He said he would have loved to continue playing but it has been an absolute honour to play for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford.
The player thanked his family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Academy of the club for their support.
Man United’s current No.1 David De Gea tweeted a message of support following Woolston’s retirement.
“All the best bro,” he wrote on Twitter.
Woolston has been given a ‘robust support programme’ by the club as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.