Doyle retires due to health worries over concussion

Republic of Ireland international Kevin Doyle has retired from professional football at the age of just 34 on medical advice after suffering persistent headaches following a series of concussions.

Doyle, who has been playing in the United States with the Colorado Rapids for the past two years, has been a renowned header of the ball during a career in which he also appeared more than 160 times for both Reading and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His decision to end his career comes amid a campaign by The Daily Telegraph for football’s governing bodies to fund research into the link between playing football and brain injuries.

“Today I’m sad to announce that after listening to medical advice I will be retiring,” Doyle said in a statement. “This year it has been clear to me that heading the ball was becoming problematic, and causing me to have repeated headaches. Two concussions this season and numerous others over the years have made this more concerning. After consulting with experts it has been decided that to avoid the possibility of symptoms becoming more serious and permanent, I will be hanging up my boots for good.”

Doyle’s news will reverberate strongly through football, particularly as he has played in an era long after the heavy leather balls that have been blamed for the injuries of past generations. Medical experts have told the Telegraph that the increased velocity of the lighter balls means the modern game is not necessarily any safer.

Doyle played 63 times for the Republic of Ireland, making his senior debut in 2006.