‘I’m devastated to hear Ryan’s tragic news’
GARY CAHILL admitted he was “devastated” after Ryan Mason was forced to retire a year after their clash of heads.
The pair collided attempting to head a corner during last season’s Premier
League match between Chelsea and Mason’s Hull
City (right).
The incident left
Mason fighting for his life in intensive care and, although he recovered enough to return to training, the midfielder was forced to accept advice he should not play again.
Cahill tweeted: “Devastated to hear today’s news from
Ryan. Competing for a corner is something we’ve done thousands of times, and to see those consequences for a top professional is heartbreaking.
“Sending all my love to him and his family, and wishing him the best for the future.” Mason will now seek a coaching job, after being told recently it would be too risky to play at the top level again. He was physically fit enough but his skull still needed to “fuse together” better (left centre).
Chelsea and Hull meet in the FA Cup at the weekend and, despite his heartbreak, Mason said: “I’m retiring with my head held high, having done everything in my power, over these past 13 months, to have given myself every opportunity to return to the pitch.
“I feel content knowing I dedicated my life to be able to play football at the highest level – hard work really does pay off !” The 26-year-old spoke of his pride at winning an England cap (left bottom) and his journey through the ranks. Mason, who emerged at Spurs and had loan spells at Yeovil, Doncaster, Swindon and Millwall, said: “I am so proud to have come through the ranks to play for my club, the club I love.
“To have had the honour of captaining the team fills me with immense pride. Thank you to all of my team-mates over the years, it’s been a privilege to play alongside you all.
“Representing my country is something I am so proud to have achieved.”
Mason became a father to son George in December and added: “I now have no option but to retire, given the nature of my injury.
“Thank you to my fiance, Rachel, who has been by my side and lived every single day with me since the injury.
“I would like to thank everyone at Hull, especially The Doc Mark Waller and all of the medical team for helping me to recover.”
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