Benitez pays tribute to Darby after Bolton ace is forced to quit
RAFAEL Benitez has paid tribute to Stephen Darby after the defender was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The Bolton full-back, who also played for Rochdale during a loan spell while at Liverpool, announced his retirement on Tuesday at the age of 29.
Former Liverpool manager Benitez gave Darby his debut in a 1-1 Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid in 2008.
He made seven appearances for them before joining Bradford in 2012.
Newcastle boss Benitez wrote on Twitter: “I was proud to give Stephen Darby his Liverpool debut and now I am deeply saddened to learn of his retirement. Stephen is a special person and he has my total support. He will never walk alone.”
MND is a degenerative condition that affects how nerves in the brain and spinal cord function and there is not current cure.
Darby was captain of Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2006 when they beat a City team which included Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge.
He made his full Liverpool debut against Fiorentina in 2009 before spending five years at Bradford, joining Bolton in 2017.
Darby, who is married to City’s England Women’s captain Steph Houghton, made five appearances for the Trotters but has not played since December last year.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: “This is heart-breaking news for Stephen and his family
“He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person.”