England skipper touched by Bobby’s early retirement

England skipper and Spurs star Harry Kane led a long list of well wishers from around the world when news of Posh teenager Bobby Copping’s retirement from professional football broke.

Kane sent Copping a signed shirt with a ‘best wishes’ message.

Copping also received good wishes from people he doesn’t know in Africa, Brazil and Spain. Chelsea’s emerging star Reece James also sent a good luck message.

But Kane’s reaction was particularly pleasing to a young player who made just one Posh appearance in an EFL Trophy tie at Cambridge United in 2019, even though Copping is an ardent West Ham United fan.

“Someone at the club who knows him spoke to Harry Kane about my injury and after hearing all about it he wanted to send me a signed shirt in support which is amazing,” Copping said.

“The reaction I’ve had has been absolutely unbelievable. I feel so grateful. The whole football world has been showing their support with hundreds and hundreds of goodwill messages arriving.

“I’ve even had messages from Brazil, Spain and Africa to name a few. It’s been heartwarming and I can’t thank everyone enough.”

Copping has accepted a job behind the scenes in the Posh Academy.

He added: “Although this is a very difficult time for myself, moving forward I’m extremely lucky and thankful to be able to stay a part of the club.

“Anyone that knows me knows I will bounce back from this.”

Copping’s retirement has attracted the attention of many major news outlets in the country with interviews scheduled this week for Sky Sports, Reuters and several national newspapers.

Posh Academy director Kieran Scarff added: “Bobby is a polite and respectful young man who has worked so hard on his career. I know he will now show the same level of determination and application to ensure he will go on to be successful in whatever he chooses to do.

“We are really pleased that Bobby has accepted an offer to work within the Academy in a business operations role.

“This is an important role as we seek category 2 status.

“He is delighted to be staying at the club and I know he will give 100% in this role. like he did in his football career.”

The shirt sent to Bobby Copping by England skipper Harry Kane.