Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has been forced to retire from professional football at the age of just 23.
Woolston has suffered from injuries, with two operations and a lengthy battle to get back to fitness but has had to end his playing days.
During his time at United, he represented the Under-23 side and regularly trained with the first-team, with the goalkeepers paying tribute to him upon his retirement.
Speaking to club media, David de Gea led the tributes to Woolston after what must have been a difficult and frustrating decision to make.
“Well, it’s always bad when someone has to retire at a young age. I’ve spoken with him, the other day, and said to him that the most important thing is life, more than football, in terms of a proper life,” he said.
“It was sad. I have been training with him, when he was fit, and it’s very sad news. I wish him all the best. He’s a great lad, a great goalkeeper and we all feel really sorry for him.
“I trained with him and he had a very good left foot, I remember, and it’s sad for him and for the club. But, as I said before, I was speaking with him and, first of all, it’s life and being in good conditions to have a good life.
“Of course, in life, sometimes problems happen and things happen. You have to keep looking forward, keep fighting and that is what life means. Like I say, I wish him all the best.”
Dean Henderson also hailed the ‘technically gifted’ goalkeeper, with fellow Englishmen Tom Heaton and Lee Grant also offering their best wishes.
A year ago to the day, Woolston went in for the first of his two operations, with the exact nature of his injury undisclosed.
His contract was due to expire last summer, but United clearly kept him on and made their rehabilitation facilities available.
The stopper took to Twitter to react to the big news, sharing his pride at what he achieved during his time as a Red Devil.
On top of that, the 23-year-old told the club website: “To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now.
“I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level. Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent Manchester United during my time here.
“The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal. Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future.
“Right now, I am fully focused on the next stage of my career. I am ready to use all of my learnings, resilience, drive and determination to make a real success of my life.”
We wish Woolston well as he embarks on the next stage of his life.
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