Dummett: Retiring was in my thoughts
PAUL Dummett has revealed he contemplated retirement after a nightmare 2020 with injuries.
The former Wales international has struggled with hamstring and muscle problems and after breaking down in pre-season, then again this autumn, was left feeling downbeat about his career.
The 29-year-old returned to the first-team stage to face Fulham in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
Dummett said: “It has been a long 11 months.
“I only lasted eight minutes in the last Premier League game and it has been a long road for me.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs.
“There have been times when you are at home - gutted - watching the lads and you feel like you want to quit sometimes.
“I went through throughg pperiods periods of times where hereh I did not feel any better et tter and it is tough m mentally.
“How- ever, this s type of thing as a player makes y o u stronger.
“I carried on n working throughout t lockdown l as hard as I could so that when I e eventually h had my ch chance a to play
I was ready for it. Thankfully I came through 75 minutes and I feel all right.
“I was getting a bit cramped towards the end so that is why I came off. Hopefully I can stay fit now.”
Dummett’s return to the team sheet raised eyebrows after such a long stint out and he admitted he was serious about thoughts on quitting.
He added: “Those things run through your head and as a footballer you want to be out there on the pitch.
“For 11 months I have not been able to do that.”
There have been times when you are at home, gutted, watching the lads and you feel like you want to quit Paul Dummett