U’S WILL RALLY TO EASETHE PAIN FOR RIBEIRO
AFTER the bitter news of Christian Ribeiro’s enforced retirement this week, Oxford boss Pep Clotet says that offering the defender a coaching role was the least the club could do.
Ribeiro was forced to call it quits aged just 27 after specialists advised that, if he continued to play through an ongoing knee problem, it might affect his ability to walk later in life.
The former Scunthorpe and Exeter man has been given a chance to continue coaching with the U’s while he rehabs and Clotet insists keeping him around will only benefit the club.
“We understand it’s hard news and I think the big shock is in the next few weeks,” said the manager.
“I want him to feel he can stay with us for this season. He obviously has to work on his knee and he can do it with us here.
“I would like him to stay here close to us because he has a positive influence.
“Everyone loves him and I understand he might have a lot of projects, but as a club we offer that. If he feels up to it, he can join the staff as well for this year.”
Ribeiro played twice for Wales during his career and, despite making just 17 appearances for Oxford in 16 months, he concedes it wasn’t an easy choice to give up the only career he has ever known.
“It has been really, really tough – the hardest decision I have ever had to make,” said Ribeiro.
“But I have to do what is right in the long-term.
“Retiring at 27 was something I never expected, but I couldn’t have asked for a better club to finish my playing career at.
“I now move on to a new chapter and must figure out what I do next.
“I have a number of options to deliberate over before making the next step and to start again.”