RETIRING WILL HURT RYAN BUT IT’S RIGHT CALL
THE saddest story of the week came when Ryan Mason announced that he was being forced by injury to retire. Ryan was a young lad coming through the ranks at tottenham when I was there. He was a lovely footballer and we all knew it would only be a matter of time before he got to play in the Premier League. He eventually got the chance under Mauricio Pochettino. then he moved to Hull to get regular games and be involved in england squads. He had great ability and always had time on the ball with an excellent range of passing. I fully expected him to go on to the next level. Unfortunately, that can’t happen now. the first column I wrote was all about my own personal concerns for the amount of blows I have taken to the head, following on from the documentary Alan shearer made with regard to football and dementia. I’ve been kicked in the face, knocked out, elbowed and lost teeth but the injury Ryan suffered during a game at Chelsea 12 months ago was on an altogether different level.
sometimes you can protect yourself when you are anticipating a collision but Ryan never saw it coming.
It must be stressed that there was absolutely no blame attached to Gary Cahill. I have read that he is devastated by Ryan having to retire but it wasn’t his — or anyone else’s — fault.
these type of accidents can occur at any time on the pitch.
Nobody will be more devastated than Ryan, who has seen his promising career end when it should be taking off. It will hurt but he will have been given the right advice and this is the right decision.
there are more important things than playing football. Life has to be right. I wish him all the best.