Routledge will always be welcome in Swansea

RUSSELL Martin says Wayne Routledge will always be welcome at Swansea City after he officially retired from football last week.

The 36-year-old has been recovering from the knee injury he sustained in the semi-final second leg contest with Barnsley in the latter stages of the 2020/21 campaign.

Routledge’s contract expired in the summer, although he was offered a fresh one-year deal by the Swans.

However, the attacker opted against putting pen to paper on new terms after deciding to bring an end to his career.

Routledge was in attendance for Sunday’s south Wales derby demolition job of Cardiff City, although it’s understood the 2013 League Cup winner is likely to move to London in the near future.

And head coach Martin says Routledge will be sorely missed by those around the club and in the dressing room.

“He told me on day one that he was retiring. He was really honest from the off but said whilst he was here, he would support what we did,” admitted Martin.

“He’s been brilliant, top drawer. Brilliant player, and not just that, but a brilliant character. The way the players look up to him in the dressing room, the relationship he has with them, he’s been a real mentor to them for quite a while.

“He’ll be a big miss in the dressing room. The first day chat was that we were really excited to work with him and he said ‘no, I’m going to retire’.

“We understand and respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best because he’s done brilliantly for this football club. He’s welcome back at any time.

“I’m sure the boys will stay in touch with him and use him for what he’s done in the dressing room already, which is to help the young guys especially with everything they’re going through.”