Mason forced to retire over head injury

Ryan Mason, the England and Hull City midfielder, has been forced to retire after doctors told him that he would be putting his long-term health at risk if he ever tried to play the game again following a fractured skull.

Mason suffered the injury when he was playing against Chelsea in January last year, following an aerial collision with his England team-mate Gary Cahill, and needed life-saving surgery in a hospital in London which relieved pressure on his brain.

However, the 26-year-old had hoped to resume his playing career with Hull after a lengthy rehabilitation programme, but released a statement yesterday saying that he had been forced to admit defeat because of the risks involved.

“I have worked tirelessly in order to be able to return to the pitch,” Mason said. “Unfortunately, having taken expert medical advice, I now have no option but to retire due to

Sad exit: Ryan Mason was told a comeback would put his long-term health at risk the risks involved given the nature of my injury.”

Mason was Hull’s record signing, joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2016 for £13million as he went in search of regular first-team football.

He played one game for England, a friendly against Italy, in March 2015.

Hull also released a statement, expressing their sadness that Mason had been unable to resume his playing career.

“It is with deep regret that the club has to announce that, following the head injury suffered on Jan 22, 2017, Ryan is to retire from football with immediate effect.

“Ryan has sought the guidance of numerous world-renowned neurologists and neurosurgeons who have advised that a return to competitive football is not advised.

“He would like to put on record his thanks to all at the club who have aided his recovery to this point and he is indebted to them for their support and compassion over the past 12 months.”