thedailyrecord--2019-12-23--Much-loved Alexandria nursery worker retires after 48 years

A much-loved nursery worker has retired after almost five incredible decades caring for more than 1,000 children across the area.  Margaret Thompson has looked after generations of families in Dumbarton and Alexandria and has now taken her well-deserved retirement after 48 years.  Last week, colleagues and parents at Ferryfield Nursery, in Alexandria, bid the nursery outreach worker an emotional farewell as she begins her next chapter.  They lavished her with gifts, presented her with a bouquet and put together a wall display of photographs taken throughout the years for Margaret to look back on fondly.  The 64-year-old, who lives in Dumbarton East, told the Lennox Herald: “It’s been a fantastic day. Even parents have come in to wish me well, which has been lovely.  “I will miss all the children and the team here, who have been brilliant.  “I’m keeping it together but the staff have left me a packet of tissues, which I’ll probably need when I leave later.”  The mum-of-two did her training at Clydebank College around 50 years ago before doing placements in nurseries in Glasgow as she says there were none in West Dunbartonshire at the time.  From there, she spent six months at a children’s home in Dumbarton, which she said was tough as a young 17-year-old.  “It was quite hard as I was only a teenager and was working with these young kids who were from difficult backgrounds,” she said.  “It was Crosslet Children’s Home and it’s closed down now.  “From there, I worked at Renton nursery for a year and then I moved to Brucehill Nursery where I worked for 33 years.  “I was there for so long I would see children whose parents I worked with when they were toddlers.  “I decided I wanted a wee change and I went for a job as an outreach worker, which I got.  “I have just loved helping the parents and seeing the children and the difference it makes when you build a relationship with    somebody.”  In her most recent role, Margaret has been working with children and their families across Alexandria, Haldane and Bonhill.  She reckons she’s worked with more than 1,000 kids over the decades, some of who she has bumped into as adults years later.  She said: “Sometimes when I’m shopping in Dumbarton, I’ll bump into people who will come up to me and say ‘hi, how are you’ as they will remember me and say I haven’t changed. Sometimes I can’t remember who they are as it was so long    ago.  “I am always gobsmacked they still remember who I am.”  Margaret is looking forward to beginning the next part of her life and is looking forward to ticking off all the places she has dreamed of visiting with retired husband Billy.  She continued: “I’m feeling quite excited. As one chapter ends another one begins.  “What’s really nice is that one of the girls, who has been a supply worker, has found out today that she has a job on the nursery floor so it’s a new chapter for her too as I leave.  “I’ll be focusing on staying healthy and going on some nice holidays.  “I’m going to Lanzarote with friends and then in February, me and my husband Billy are going to India to do the Golden Triangle, which I’ve always wanted to do. I doubt I’ll be staying away for long though – I’ll definitely be popping in from time to time for a coffee to see everyone.”  Margaret is also looking forward to a retirement dinner she’s having in January at the Abbotsford with colleagues from Ferryfield and Brucehill    nurseries. Principal Jane Forey said: “Myself, the staff and all the parents are going to really miss Margaret. We wish her a very happy retirement.”  For more local news from West Dunbartonshire click here .


theguardianuk--2019-02-28--James DeGale retires from boxing after 10 years as a professional

James DeGale has announced his retirement following his unanimous points defeat by Chris Eubank Jr.  The 33-year-old, a two-time world super-middleweight champion and the 2008 Olympic middleweight champion, was the first British boxer to win both an Olympic gold medal and a professional world title.  DeGale said in a statement: “Today marks 10 years since my professional debut fight on February 28, 2009, and today is the day I am announcing my retirement from boxing. It’s been an unbelievable journey and I’ve had an amazing decade – if I’m honest, the best years of my life.”  The Londoner rose to prominence in 2015 when winning his first world title belt, against Andre Dirrell in the US, before defending it three times across the Atlantic.  He said: “It’s hard to admit that I’m not the fighter I once was, but I’m human and along the way my injuries have taken a toll – both on my mind and body, and these things have contributed to my performance in the ring.  “I lost the fight on Saturday at the O but I’m touched to have a good send-off from the fans in my home city. I’m proud to say that I’ve made history as the first ever British Olympian boxer to turn professional and to win a world title and I am also proud to have been a road warrior – to travel wherever I needed to be to fight and win. There’s nothing left to prove.”


theguardianuk--2019-06-21--Fernando Torres retires from football after 18-year career

The former Liverpool and Chelsea striker [Fernando Torres](https://www.theguardian.com/football/fernando-torres) has announced his retirement from football.  The 35-year-old Spaniard, who has been playing in Japan for Sagan Tosu [since leaving Atlético Madrid last year](https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/may/21/fernando-torres- takes-his-leave-as-atletico-madrids-historic-memory), scored 81 goals across four seasons with Liverpool and won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup with Chelsea.  A World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, [Torres said on Twitter](https://twitter.com/Torres/status/1141934249362124801): “I have something very important to announce. After 18 exciting years, the time has come to put an end to my football career.” He will reveal more about his decision to retire at a press conference in Tokyo on Sunday at 10am local time (2am BST).  After breaking through at hometown club Atlético, Torres moved to [Liverpool](https://www.theguardian.com/football/liverpool) in July 2007 and scored 24 Premier League goals in his first campaign in England.  He made a £50m deadline-day switch to [Chelsea](https://www.theguardian.com/football/chelsea) in January 2011 and, despite recording disappointing goal hauls in the league, his late goal against Barcelona in April 2012 sent the Blues to the Champions League final, which they would go on to win at the expense of Bayern Munich.  Liverpool and Chelsea both wished Torres well in retirement, tweeting video highlights of his goals for their respective causes.  Torres had already won both the 2008 European Championship and South Africa- hosted World Cup with [Spain](https://www.theguardian.com/football/spain) and he conquered Europe for a second time with _La Roja_ in 2012. A loan spell at Milan from Chelsea preceded his return to Atlético in January 2015 before the forward made his move to Japan last July.


theguardianuk--2019-07-26--I will be a happier man Marvin Sordell retires from football at 28

‘I will be a happier man’: Marvin Sordell retires from football at 28

The former England Under-21 striker Marvin Sordell has described football as “a beautiful game with an ugly persona” after citing his mental wellbeing as a big factor behind his decision to retire aged 28.  Sordell has announced his retirement after terminating his contract with the League One side [Burton Albion](https://www.theguardian.com/football/burton- albion), and is keen to help others who may be experiencing mental health issues. He had been with Burton since January 2017, having  joined Bolton for a fee in the region of £3m in 2012 and represented Team GB at the London Olympics later that summer.  Sordell said he has lived his dream as a professional footballer but experienced an “ugly side to the game”, including racism and bullying.  “The 6-year-old me would never even have dreamed of what the 28-year-old me has achieved in this game,” Sordell wrote on Twitter. “I managed to experience some of the greatest highs on offer: playing for England, for Team GB in the Olympics and in the biggest league in the world, the Premier League.  “In over 300 matches, for the nine clubs and three national teams I played for, I scored goals that I dreamed about as a young boy in the park.  “I’ll be honest though, the ugly side of the game that many of us are exposed to, has had a hugely detrimental effect on my mental health. I witnessed, and was on the receiving end of racism on several occasions and have seen an incredible amount of bullying, manipulation and verbal abuse to an extent which for many leaves a dirt stain on this industry.  “The combination of these aspects allow me to move on from being a professional football player, knowing that I will be a happier man, and also be able to love the game again, in a way that I haven’t for many years.”  Sordell has also had spells at Burnley, Colchester and Coventry since leaving Bolton and spent the second half of last season on loan at Northampton.  Last year he spoke candidly to [The Guardian’s Donald McRae](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/sep/10/marvin-sordell- interview-dead-inside-emotions-depression) about how mental health had affected his career. “My mental health has been severely impacted throughout my career, therefore I feel it’s the right time to move forward in my life,” Sordell told the Burton website. “I have always been eager to help people who have had similar problems in their lives and going forward I’d like to be able to make a difference in football when it comes to mental wellbeing.”  Burton’s manager, Nigel Clough, said: “We want to thank Marvin for the contribution he has made during his time at Burton Albion. We totally understand his decision and he leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the club. We are sure Marvin has a massive amount to contribute in helping people with their mental wellbeing and we look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the future.”


theguardianuk--2019-11-07--Dylan Hartley, former England captain, retires from rugby because of injury

The former England captain Dylan Hartley has announced his retirement from rugby after failing to recover from a knee injury.  The 33-year-old Northampton Saints hooker won 97 caps and had been in line to feature at the Rugby World Cup before the injury that he suffered 11 months ago.  “The last few months have been difficult mentally and physically as I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am no longer able to compete,” Hartley said. “I am extremely proud of my journey, both with Saints and representing England, but now is the right time to hang up my playing boots.”  Hartley, who stands behind only Jason Leonard in terms of England’s most-capped players, took over as captain at the beginning of Eddie Jones’s tenure as head coach. Under his leadership, England won two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam in 2016 and the summer tour to Australia that same year.  At Northampton, he captained the club for eight years, and made 251 appearances, his final professional match coming against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on 21 December last year.  “I have loved my journey in rugby,” Hartley added. “I came to England as a teenager hoping to get a few games of rugby and to see the world. I could have never predicted that one day I’d play 14 years for such a special club and go on to represent and captain England.  “Northampton Saints has been more than just a club to me. It has been a place that has provided me with direction, purpose, a sense of family, home and belonging; and ultimately a community that I was so proud to represent every time I got a chance to play for Northampton.  “My career wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’m privileged to have experienced some amazing highs while there have also been some personal lows, all of which are powerful experiences that will stay with me forever. The final chapter of my career was supposed to go a different way, but that is the nature of professional sport.”  The announcement of his retirement comes less than 24 hours after Northampton said that they had not given up hope of Hartley playing for them again. Northampton’s director of rugby Chris Boyd said the frontrower was still targeting a return to action.  Boyd added: “He trained Monday and Tuesday this week and he is working hard. Some days there is plenty of light at the end of the tunnel and on others the curtain closes. I admire the way he has gone about his rehab and it has been tough on him physically and emotionally.  “He has stuck to it. I am not 100% sure that he will play again, but he is doing everything he can to get there. When he feels he is ready to be selected, he will tell me. I hope it will happen, but who knows?”  Boyd is tapping into the considerable experience of Hartley who has been at Northampton since 2006. “He is working with the other hookers at the club. We have six of them and they have formed a secret society. He has been doing team training and is active in meetings.  “He has been a key part of Northampton’s leadership for some time and is helping our captains this season, Alex Waller and Teimana Harrison. He is a key senior player and his contribution is valued.”  England lost to South Africa in last weekend’s World Cup final and some of the Springboks who are based in England – including Sale’s Faf de Klerk and Gloucester’s Franco Mostert – have been given time off by their clubs to take part in the trophy tour which is taking place in various parts of their country over the next week.


theindependent--2019-03-11--Louis van Gaal retires from football three years after Manchester United exit

Louis van Gaal has retired from football management at the age of 67, nearly three years after he departed Manchester United.  Van Gaal was sacked by United two days after winning the FA Cup, and was replaced by Jose Mourinho. He has been linked with several posts since leaving Old Trafford, including taking over at Feyenoord in his native Netherlands, but has instead chosen to spend more time with his family.  He brings to an end one of the great modern European managerial careers, having won three league titles and a Champions League with Ajax in the mid-90s, and two league titles with Barcelona in 1998 and 1999.  He later added another Eredivisie to his CV with AZ Alkmaar, won a Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and took Netherlands to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup, before an underwhelming spell at Manchester United more memorable for his eccentricities off the pitch than the football on it.  Speaking on Dutch TV, Van Gaal said: “I am a pensioner now. I have no ambition to be a technical director or a TV pundit. My wife Truus gave up her job for me 22 years ago, and followed me when I went abroad.  “I told her I would quit as a coach when I turned 55, but instead kept going until I was 65. She is entitled to have a life with me outside of football. I can say she is very happy.  “I think I could have worked as a technical director. But in this role you can’t attend training or say anything for fear it won’t suit the coach, directors or media. I don’t think I want a job like that.”  Along with winning the 2015-16 FA Cup, Van Gaal will be most fondly remembered by United supporters for handing debuts to a raft of youngsters, including Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford.  Rashford tweeted: “Thank you for opening the door & trusting in me. Enjoy retirement boss.”  Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers


theirishtimes--2019-05-03--Last woman to use manual switchboard retires from An Post

The last woman in the country to put through a telephone call via manual switchboard exchange has retired from An Post more than three decades later.  Florence Bugler was the postmistress in Mountshannon, Co Clare on May 28th, 1987 when the country switched to fully automatic telephone calls. She put through the last call from businessman Dr Michael Smurfit to then taoiseach Charlie Haughey.  She began her An Post career when she left school to help her grandaunt Florence Veller at Mountshannon Post Office in the late 1960s. Mrs Veller had a stroke and was sick for a number of years and died in 1972. Two years later Mrs Bugler became postmistress in Mountshannon.  She really enjoyed the work and meeting people and, in 1983, she married Gerard Bugler. When the couple learned the post office in Scariff was vacant, they applied for it and in 1990 took up the mantel.  “We never looked back since, we were 29 years here in Scariff,” Mrs Bugler said.  Mrs Bugler said the switchboard service was quite a tie, as it operated from 8am-10pm, Monday to Saturday and a few hours on a Sunday.  “We had 99 subscribers and, at night, for emergency calls some of the subscribers were on a party line where there were two rings for one house, three rings for the next house, and four for the next, and into Scariff. It was a very interesting system. That was the way it worked because not everyone had a phone,” Mrs Bugler said.  The postmistress saw a great many changes during her time including the introduction of decimalisation, and the move from punts to euro.  Buried in her many pieces of memorabilia, Mrs Bugler rooted out her 1971 Ready Reckoner which she used to do conversions from the old metric system. She recalls thumbing through this little book to calculate the cost of stamps and that a telegram cost 3p a word.  “It’s all been computerised in my time and a lot of new products have come in online like banking, foreign currency cards and BillPay. Myself and my husband ran the whole show. In 2008 we got Fiona Howard [nee Ryan] and we had her two days a week. Last summer my husband, Ger, got ill in September and sadly passed away, and Fiona and I just pulled it along until now,” she said.  However, the biggest and most celebrated transition for Mrs Bugler was the day in 1987 when she put through the last manual telephone call.  At the end of April she completed her last day’s work as a postmistress and, having put in a very busy day handing over to Brian McMahon, who will now run the service in the village, Mrs Bugler said, “I will miss it, but you can’t stay at it forever, you have to go some time.”


theirishtimes--2019-05-31--After a 23-year fight for abuse survivors Carmel McDonnell Byrne retires sort of

After a 23-year fight for abuse survivors, Carmel McDonnell Byrne retires (sort of)

For years Carmel McDonnell Byrne was the woman behind Christine Buckley, a quiet figure who has fought many battles over 20 years in the cause of those abused in Ireland’s residential institutions.  The 64-year-old veteran campaigner retired on Thursday as chairwoman and director of the centre near Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge, first named the Ashlinn but later named after her better-known friend and ally. She is being succeeded by Donal Buckley, husband of the late Christine Buckley.  Today, the Christine Buckley Centre Dublin, which opens from Tuesday to Friday, helps on average 185 people a week. Most of them are now between 58 and 70 years of age.  Like Buckley, McDonnell Byrne, who was one of eight children, was held in Dublin’s Goldenbridge Industrial School from 1965 until her release in 1972.  She was nine when her mother left their home in Drimnagh, Dublin on July 9th, 1965. The eight children were all under 14. Their father was unable to look after them and they were placed in institutions.  On August 28th, 1965, she, her two sisters and two younger brothers were placed in Goldenbridge Industrial School run by the Sisters of Mercy; the older boys in St Saviour’s on Dublin’s Dominick Street.  At Goldenbridge “we suffered at the hands of cruel perpetrators who violated each of us physically, mentally, emotionally”, she recalled. Her sister Doreen was sexually abused by a workman there.  In July 1966, two of her brothers at St Saviour’s, Harry and Robert, were drowned on a trip at Rossnowlagh in Co Donegal, along with another boy, while swimming unsupervised.  In 2007 and after a lifetime struggling with depression, Doreen was found dead in Dublin. “All we found were bones. She had been dead for weeks,” she said. Another brother Danny died with heart problems aged 61 in 2014.  Goldenbridge closed in 1983. Following the broadcast in 1996 of the Dear Daughter documentary, which detailed abuse suffered by Christine Buckley, Bernadette Fahy and others, McDonnell Byrne made contact with Buckley.  Together, they decided to organise a gathering for abuse survivors, calling it One Happy Day, bringing together people who, in most cases, had never met after their incarceration ended.  “It was very difficult. We had rung up a few hotels and we were horrified when they said yes, we could have the hotels if they [the survivors] come in the back. Shocking. That was our realisation of the stigma,” she said.  The event took place at the RDS in Ballsbridge on April 22nd, 1996. They expected 500 people, but more than 700 came. “It was a great day. Sisters met sisters, people met uncles.  “Others looked at one another and said, ‘Are you related to me, because you look like me’, things like that. Then there was a couple. Neither had told the other where they were going that day and they met at the RDS.  “Both had been in an institution. We still have that here [at the centre]. We have people here who haven’t told spouses. It’s all the stigma and shame,” McDonnell Byrne told The Irish Times this week.  Quickly, they realised the challenges: “My God, the literacy problems. We had to write people’s names down for them when they came in. We sat down and discussed what really needs to be done.” So, the Aislinn Centre was born.  Today, McDonnell Byrne is still campaigning, especially for the memorial to the institutional abuse victims that was recommended by the Ryan Report a decade ago to carry the 1999 apology of then taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The 2009 Ryan Report resulted from the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse which investigated child abuse in Irish institutions primarily run by Catholic orders.  The taoiseach had said: “On behalf of the State and of all citizens of the State, the Government wishes to make a sincere and long overdue apology to the victims of childhood abuse, for our collective failure to intervene, to detect their pain, to come to their rescue.”  Ten years on, no such memorial has been erected. Though €500,000 was put aside for one at the Garden of Remembrance on Dublin’s Parnell Square, it was refused by An Bord Pleanála in November 2013.  The planning body ruled that it would adversely impact the setting, character and function of the existing memorial to those who died fighting for Irish freedom. An association between the two was inappropriate, it ruled.  “I’m very upset about the memorial. It was one of the first things we put in our submission [to the Ryan Commission]. Christine knew how I felt losing two brothers. Now I have lost another brother and sister; that’s half of my family wiped out. They were in institutions. I’ve always said we should have a memorial,” she declared.  More than 20 years on, she still remembers the first formal meeting she and others had with Bertie Ahern, Micheál Martin and the then minister for education, Michael Woods.  “Each stood up and shook hands and said we believe you. That was huge,” she said, “It was just nice to know that somebody believed you, because they looked us in the eye. I’ll never forget that look.  “The shock on their faces, I can still see it. I could see they were believing but at the same time there was a ‘this can’t be real’ expression, except the documentary had been on, Dear Daughter,” she went on.  Though retiring, McDonnell Byrne will stay a board member of the centre, and will continue to be a dedicated, if understated campaigner, but one with more time for her seven grandchildren.  Most especially, she will continue to push for a HAA (Health Amendment Act) card for all abuse survivors. The card is already available to Hepatitis C survivors; it entitles holders to an extensive range of medical services for life.  The centre was renamed two years ago after Christine Buckley who died in 2014, even though Buckley had “never wanted anything called after herself. She didn’t like accolades.”  McDonnell Byrne’s own life story took a happier turn after Goldenbridge, when she went to live with the fabulous Seán and Marie Becton “very close to my old home in Drimnagh”.  She had become friendly with the Bectons in Inchicore “who took me into their home. They were the kindest people I ever met and became the parents I should have had.”  The Bectons’ three sons “look after me so well” and “always introduce me as their sister Carmel”. She has four children of her own, and today is amicably divorced.  In July 2005, she and her brother John tracked their mother to a house in Manchester. It was not a happy encounter.  They challenged her about leaving her eight children 40 years before and McDonnell Byrne accused her of abandoning her to be sexually abused by her father in the weeks before being put in Goldenbridge.  They discovered their mother had a ninth child in England from a second relationship, but that this girl had spina bifida and died at 22. After a 35-minute meeting, they left. “I felt like jumping in the air. I think I said ‘I did it, now I can have closure,’ ” she said.  Their mother died in 2010, their father in 1997.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-01-11--Andy Murray retires from tennis Tributes and Grand Slam and Olympic wins

Andy Murray retires from tennis: Tributes and Grand Slam and Olympic wins

Former world number one and one of the UK's most successful tennis players ever - Sir Andy Murray has announced his retirement from the sport.  The announcement came in the early hours of Friday morning as the Scotsman gave a press conference ahead of the Australian Open which begins next week.  The 31-year-old is currently ranked no. 230 on the men's singles tour after ending his 2018 season in September and has struggled with a hip injury for much of the last two years.  The pain of the injury has plagued Murray since arguably his peak when he ended 2016 as world no. 1 after winning Wimbledon for a second time and winning the ATP Finals in November of that year at the O2 in London.  Murray said that the Australian Open could be his last tournament as he doesn't know if he can fight through the pain to make it to Wimbledon.  The start of 2017 had been ropey for Murray but he reached the semi-finals of the French Open where he was defeated by Stan Wawrinka. Long-standing hip issues start to flare up.  Murray loses his first match at Queens and is forced to acknowledge the hip problem when he pulls out of a scheduled exhibition match.  After pulling out of a second Hurlingham match, Murray calms fears he may be forced to miss Wimbledon by confirming on the eve of the tournament that he will play.  Murray makes it to the quarters of Wimbledon, despite a limp. He loses in five sets to Sam Querrey.  Murray loses his world number no. 1 ranking after pulling out of two Masters events. Murray travels to New York intending to return at the US Open. But two days before the tournament he announces at a press conference that he is pulling out, saying his hip is too sore to give him a chance of winning the tournament.  Murray seeks further consultation with a number of hip specialists and heads home. He says he is likely to miss the rest of the year.  Murray doesn't make the Brisbane International which he has ear-marked for his return and has to pull out on the eve of the tournament. In a heartfelt post on Instagram accompanied by a childhood photo, Murray says: "I choose this pic as the little kid inside me just wants to play tennis and compete. I genuinely miss it so much and I would give anything to be back out there."  An Instagram update from Murray says he has undergone hip surgery in Melbourne and he is aiming for a return for the grass-court season.  Murray posts a picture of on-court training from Patrick Mouratoglou's academy in Nice.  Murray does not enter a Challenger tournament that was meant to be his return. It emerges he has suffered a setback in his recovery and has been forced to take more time away from the court.  Murray says he is "getting closer" to a return but pulls out of his scheduled first grass event of the season at the Libema Open in Holland.  After just two weeks of playing time, Murray announces just before the draw is made he will be playing at Queen's Club in London, just before Wimbledon.  After nearly a year since his last competitive game (342 days) he plays good friend and fellow pro Nick Kyrgios at Queens. He loses his first-round match  2-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.  Murray beats three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka 6-1 6-3 in just over 75 minutes at Eastbourne.  Murray withdraws from Wimbledon with a "heavy heart" after saying his right hip was still not ready for the demands of a Grand Slam.  Murray pulls out of his Citi Open quarter final with Alex de Minaur in Washington.  Murray admits he in unsure he will ever recapture his best form after a four-set defeat by Fernando Verdasco at the US Open.  His latest comeback from a persistent hip issue ended prematurely after a second-round defeat to Daniil Medvedev at the Brisbane International.  During a press conference ahead of the US Open in Melbourne, a teary-eyed Andy Murray announces this could be his last tournament if his injury is so severe he cannot reach Wimbledon.  Yes, he was given a knighthood in the New years Honours list at the end of 2016 - arguably the best year of his career.  The 31-year-old was previously honoured with an OBE after winning the US Open in 2012.  Speaking in Abu Dhabi where he was playing at a tournament, Sir Andy said he could not get used to his new moniker.  He said: "It sounds strange. Obviously it's a big honour.  "It's great recognition for my results of the last few years and it's obviously a very nice way to finish 2016 or start 2017, but I'm more than happy just being known as Andy, that's fine by me."  As of 2018, The Times listed Andy Murray's net worth at £83 million. They wrote that "His on-court earnings slumped to just $2m last year from $16.3m in a triumphant 2016, but off-court deals with Under Armour, Head, Standard Life and Jaguar justify a £6m rise in his net worth."  Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led praise from near and far after the double Olympic champion fought back tears as he announced the upcoming Australian Open could be his last tournament.  She tweeted: "Andy Murray is a legend - without doubt one of Scotland's greatest ever sportsmen, as well as an outstanding role model and inspiration for young people everywhere.  "A credit to sport and to the country. Sending him very best wishes."  British number one Johanna Konta said: "You don't know how much we are going to miss you, Andy Murray! You are an example of a great athlete and person." - Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal  "I just can't imagine the sport without him to be honest, he has been there all the time. Everyone has a lot of compassion and a lot of sadness for him."  Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios said: "You are one crazy tennis player - miles better than me - but I just want you to know that today isn't only a sad day for you and your team, it's a sad day for the sport and for everyone you've had an impact on."


thesun--2019-03-11--Olympic hero Anthony Ogogo retires aged 30 after seven eye operations and suffering gruesome broken

Olympic hero Anthony Ogogo retires aged 30 after seven eye operations and suffering gruesome broken eye socket

BOXER Anthony Ogogo has retired from the sport after admitting defeat in his bid to recover from sickening eye injuries.  The London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist has not fought since October 2016 when he was stopped by Craig Cunningham in the eighth round.  After the fight it was revealed that Ogogo had suffered a broken eye socket - in the ringside photos you can clearly see his eye hanging lower than it should.  The 30-year-old uploaded an emotional seven page statement to his social media accounts where he spoke of his sadness that he has had to hang the gloves up for good.  He also revealed he has had seven operations on his eyes in the last two-and-a-half years, and 17 in total throughout his career.  The first part of the statement read: "Accepting the end gracefully is part of being a professional athlete.  "Calling an end to dreams that are left unfulfilled is the hardest part.  "Life is all about doing your best with the cards you have been dealt; that is what I have done time after time.  "Sadly after 7 operations on my eyes in 2 and a half years, I am forced to admit they are too damaged for me to safely return to the boxing ring.  "With a heavy heart I have to retire from professional boxing with my dreams unfulfilled."  Ogogo suffered a dislocated eye socket in two places in his first ever pro defeat back in 2016 and hasn't fought for more than two years.  Back in November the middleweight admitted he was in the last-chance saloon in a series of emotional twitter posts.  His career was beset by injuries.  First Ogogo, who has also starred in Celebrity Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing, and Bear Grylls' The Island, ruptured his Achilles and was out for a year.  He had only seven professional fights by this point.  The 30-year-old then had four straight wins before he was stopped by Cunningham.  He spoke after the fight to say that he was visually impaired by 78 per cent and that his eye "basically exploded".  He was actually registered as blind and lost his driving licence.  In his statement, that he shared to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, Ogogo expresses his sadness that he will "never get the chance to realise my true potential".  But rather than be "bitter", Ogogo says he has chosen to be "better", and will "learn from everything" that he has been through.  He goes on to describe the injuries that have plagued his career, including the eye issues, shoulder dislocations, broken bones and damaged ligaments and tendons.  Ogogo then thanks all the people who have helped him throughout his career, from rookie boxer to Olympic medallist and then pro boxer.  He reserves the highest praise for his wife Casey, who he says has "been there, supported and believed in me when others didn't".  In a real emotive section, he describes how she "took him to the toilet when he couldn't walk and helped him cross the road when he couldn't see".  He adds that he will be "forever in your debt".


thesun--2019-03-23--Star jockey Noel Fehily retires from the saddle with poignant victory at Newbury aboard Get In The Q

Star jockey Noel Fehily retires from the saddle with poignant victory at Newbury aboard Get In The Queue

NOEL FEHILY said Feh-well to racing with an easy win aboard Get In The Queue at Newbury.  The veteran rider hung up his boots in the most memorable way possible on Saturday afternoon.  Given a guard of honour by his weighing-room colleagues before the contest, everyone in the racing world was hoping he'd bow out with a winner - and he didn't disappoint.  Taking the leg-up on exciting prospect Get In The Queue in the Goffs Bumper, the veteran jock stalked the pace before coaxing his mount into the lead and drawing clear under hands and heels to land the odds.  It won't be the most valuable prize the 43-year-old has ever won, but it might well be the most poignant.  Watched on by his family, he returned to the winner's enclosure to the sound of three cheers from the crowd.  Winning trainer Harry Fry said: "He's been a brilliant jockey over the years and remains a great friend. "It's great to be able to provide him with a final winner. It's the fairytale ending.  "He may be retired but he's not over the other side of the world so I think we'll be having a conversation about him riding out at home!"  The weighing-room legend has partnered many top-class horses in the past, with his highlights including a Champion Hurdle win on Buveur D'Air and two King George victories aboard Silviniaco Conti.  He announced his retirement after riding his final Cheltenham Festival winner on Englantine Du Seuil last week.


thesun--2019-08-07--Ex-Man Utd and Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan retires from football aged 40 after 22-year career

DIEGO FORLAN has announced his retirement from football after a 22-year career that spanned nine countries.  British fans first knew of the striker as the little-known Uruguayan who signed for Manchester United from Independiente in 2002.  ![ Forlan's Atleti beat Fulham in the 2010 Europa League final]()  2  Forlan's Atleti beat Fulham in the 2010 Europa League finalCredit: Reuters  ![ Forlan won one league title at Old Trafford]()  2  Forlan won one league title at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters  However it is at La Liga clubs Villarreal and Atletico Madrid where he will be most fondly remembered.  In seven years at the Spanish pair, he netted a combined 154 goals having scored just 17 times for United.  Speaking to Telemundo about his decision, Forlan, 40, said: "It hasn't been easy, I didn't want the time to come, but I knew it was going to come.  "I have decided to stop playing football professionally."  He won league titles in England, Hong Kong and his native Uruguay, as well as the 2010 Europa League with Atletico.  But it was on the international stage where the forward showed his best performances.  Forlan won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup while netting in the quarter- final, semi-final and third-placed play-off.  And he helped Uruguay win the Copa America the year after.  Strike partner Luis Suarez paid tribute to his role in the team upon his retirement, stating: "Historic for Uruguayan football. Grateful for all the unforgettable moments you made all Uruguayans live, both in the national team and in all the teams you played."  A stint at Inter Milan rounded off Forlan's stay in Europe before turning out for Cerezo Osaka, Penarol, Mumbai City [and Hong Kong club Kitchee](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/5267736/ex-manchester-united- star-diego-forlan-joins-hong-kong-side-kitchee-sc-aged-38/).  Man Utd furious with Zinedine Zidane's shameless public courting of Paul Pogba


thesun--2019-11-07--Ex-England captain Dylan Hartley retires from rugby aged 33 because of crippling knee injury

DYLAN HARTLEY has retired from rugby after failing to recover from a crippling knee injury.  The 33-year-old is England’s most-capped hooker and also his country's second most-capped player of all time with 97 Test appearances to his name.  Named England skipper when boss Eddie Jones arrived at Twickenham in 2016, Hartley led his country to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2016, a historic whitewash of Australia as well as a second Six Nations in 2017.  The New Zealand-born hardman said: “I am extremely proud of my journey, both with Northampton Saints and representing England, but now is the right time to hang up my playing boots.  “The last few months have been difficult for me both mentally and physically as I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am no longer able to compete.  "I have to thank all the staff at Saints who have all invested so much time in helping me with my rehabilitation, in particular S&C coach Eamonn Hyland.  “I have loved my journey in rugby. I came to England as a teenager hoping to get a few games of rugby and to see the world.  "I could have never predicted that one day I’d play 14 years for such a special club and go on to represent and captain England.  “Northampton Saints has been more than just a club to me. It has been a place that has provided me with direction, purpose, a sense of family, home and belonging; and ultimately a community that I was so proud to represent every time I got a chance to play for Northampton."  Hartley - who has been out since December 2018 with the injury - had his fair share of bans for crimes on the pitch.  He couldn't feature in the 2015 World Cup after headbutting Jamie George and in total was missing for an incredible 60 WEEKS of his career due to punishments from eye-gouging, biting, verbally abusing ref Wayne Barnes and elbowing.  Hartley admitted: "My career wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  "I’m privileged to have experienced some amazing highs while there have also been some personal lows, all of which are powerful experiences that will stay with me forever.  "The final chapter of my career was supposed to go a different way, but that is the nature of professional sport.  “I would not have been able to achieve what I have without the support of my wife Jo, my family, my friends and my teammates. To them all, I am incredibly grateful for their love and unwavering support.”  England boss Eddie Jones said: “Dylan has had a significant international career playing for his country having played 97 Tests, and was a tough, enduring character for us.  “He was a foundation captain and we owe him a lot for his contribution to the making of this team. We will be forever indebted to him for his dedication and commitment to the team and his love of English rugby.”  At just 23 he became the youngest captain in Premiership history when he was given the armband at Franklin's Gardens back in 2009.  Hartley went on to lead his teammates to a Prem title, two European Challenge Cups and an Anglo-Welsh Cup.  Saints chairman John White added: “Dylan has been a pillar of Northampton RFC since his arrival at Franklin’s Gardens in 2005.  “In amassing over 250 appearances in a Saints jersey throughout the club’s most-successful period, he has guaranteed his place amongst the likes of Edgar Mobbs, Ron Jacobs and Tim Rodber in the pantheon of Northampton’s rugby legends.  “His achievements of England are also almost unparalleled by his peers, but it is not only on the field where Dylan has conducted himself with dignity and humility.  “He has been an outstanding representative for the club within our community in Northampton and made a significant impact via his high-profile involvement with numerous charities.  “Dylan has therefore become a role model for countless young people here in Northampton, and we hope he will continue to do this within a new role we have offered him at Saints, where he will act as a club ambassador and help us to maximise our impact across Northamptonshire and beyond.”


thesun--2019-12-14--Former PSG and Napoli star Lavezzi retires at 34 after three years playing in China

FORMER PSG and Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi has retired from football at the age of 34.  The Argentinian enjoyed a successful club career as he picked up four Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de la Ligue, the Coupe de France, the Trophee de Champions and the Coppa Italia.  He began his career at Estudiantes 16 years ago, before then moving on to San Lorenzo, where he would stay for three years.  In 2007, he joined Napoli and spent five successful seasons with the Italian club before switching to PSG.  And after filling his trophy cabinet with the French giants, he moved to China and Hebei China Fortune, where the forward has decided to hang up his boots.  On Instagram, he said: “They were amazing years of this story,”  “Years marked by learning, unique moments and lots of memories that will stay in my heart for good.  “I am forever grateful for those who have stayed by my side throughout this journey.  "With lots of joy, I say goodbye to the most amazing phase life has given me.  For the international team, he was a part of the Argentina side that finished runners-up to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. Lavezzi also picked up Olympic gold at the Bejing Games in 2008.  He finishes his career having scored 161 goals in 560 club games, while also netting nine times in 51 caps for his country.


thetelegraph--2019-01-16--Japans last champion sumo wrestler retires after string of defeats

Japan's last champion sumo wrestler retires after string of defeats

Japan's last remaining sumo champion is retiring after the worst run for an elite wrestler in several decades.  A tearful Kisenosato Yutaka told a news conference he felt he had done "everything I could" but was forced to retire due to ongoing injury problems.  In 2017, the 32-year-old became the first Japanese-born wrestler in almost two decades to reach the rank of grand champion, known in Japanese as "yokozuna".  He has been hampered by injuries for almost two years but said he had wanted to continue competing for the sake of his loyal fan base.  "I was supported by so many people... I have nothing but gratitude," he told reporters on Wednesday.


thetelegraph--2019-07-26--Former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards retires from football aged 31

Former England defender Micah Richards has announced his retirement from football.  Richards, 31, has been forced to hang up his boots due to a chronic knee problem, his former club Manchester City have announced.  "The City fan favourite and Premier League winner announced his decision after losing a lengthy battle with an injured knee," the Premier League champions said on their official website.  "His football journey, that took him from Oldham to City, abroad to Italy and back to Aston Villa, ends at the age of 31."  Richards, raised in Leeds, joined City from Oldham aged 14, and after making his first-team debut three years later he went on to make more than 175 appearances for the club.


thetelegraph--2019-08-25--Andrew Luck retires from NFL Indianapolis Colts quarterback stuns sport with hardest decision of m

Andrew Luck retires from NFL: Indianapolis Colts quarterback stuns sport with 'hardest decision of my life'

Emotional Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck stunned the NFL on Saturday by announcing his retirement at the age of 29, citing the toll of a relentless cycle of injuries, rehab and "pain".  The former number one overall pick had been dealing with a lower leg problem that sidelined him during the pre-season but the news sent shockwaves through the league.  "This is not an easy decision. Honestly, it's the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me," a teary-eyed Luck told reporters after the Colts' pre-season game against the Chicago Bears.  "For the last four years or so, I've been in this cycle of injury, pain, rehab, injury, pain, rehab, and it's been unceasing, unrelenting, both in-season and offseason, and I felt stuck in it.  "The only way I see out is to no longer play football."  Luck was the top pick in the 2012 NFL draft and is a four-times Pro Bowl player.  He led the Colts to the playoffs in his first three seasons but then ran into health issues.  He played just seven games in the 2015 season due to injuries to his kidney and abdominal muscle.  In 2017, Luck missed the entire season following shoulder surgery.


fortune--2019-02-10--Lindsey Vonn Retires as One of the Most Decorated US Skiers

Lindsey Vonn Retires as One of the Most Decorated U.S. Skiers

In the final race of her career on Sunday, Lindsey Vonn took the bronze medal at the world championships in Are, Sweden.  The win is a special one for Vonn, as she now makes history, being the “winningest female ski racer in the world” and retiring as a heavily decorated U.S. athlete, reports NPR. She has now won medals at six world championships and this was the fifth time winning a downhill medal at a world championship.  “I laid it all on the line. That’s all I wanted to do today,” Vonn said, according to NPR. “I have to admit I was a little bit nervous, probably the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life. I wanted to finish strong so badly.”  Vonn’s retirement after 18 years came about due to several injuries. At the beginning of the month, she announced her retirement on her Instagram page, saying her “body was broken beyond repair.” On Tuesday, she crashed out of the super-G in Are, the fall leaving her a bit bruised.  Vonn’s many wins as she slid down mountains at top speed made her an inspiration for female athletes across the world. But now she’s saying goodbye to the sport as her body begins to heal.  “I’ll miss that wonderful sensation of speed that you can get only by racing down a hill on a pair of skis,” Vonn said at a Swedish news conference, as NPR reports. “I don’t know yet how I will compensate for that, because I won’t be able to do it skiing privately without my ski pass being taken away from me.”


thedailycaller--2019-05-14--Quarterback EJ Manuel Retires From The NFL

EJ Manuel’s days as an NFL quarterback are officially over.  Manuel, who was a star coming out of Florida State, retired from the NFL late Monday afternoon. The decision comes after bouncing around the league since entering it in 2013 with the Bills.  It’s really hard to find the words to describe just how bad Manuel’s NFL career went. I’m sure he’s a fine guy, but things really couldn’t have gone much worse.  He was the 16th overall pick in the 2013 draft! He went in the middle of the first round, and finished his career with a grand total of 20 touchdowns!  The former Seminoles gunslinger didn’t even make $10 million in his entire career.  Seriously, it couldn’t have gone much worse. He entered the NFL as a first round quarterback pick, and it became clear almost immediately that he had no business being picked that high.  He played for the Bills for a few years, went to Oakland afterwards and signed with Kansas City for this upcoming year, but that’s obviously not going to happen. (RELATED: Kansas City Chiefs Sign Quarterback EJ Manuel)  I honestly don’t know how it went so wrong for Manuel. He had all the physical tools of a good NFL quarterback. He had the arm, size and was relatively mobile.  Yet, it never worked out for him, and he’s out of the league after a few years as a former first round pick. There certainly have been worse selections, but he’ll go down as one of the biggest busts in the past decade without a doubt.  I hope he saved what little money he made in the NFL.


thedailyrecord--2019-07-03--Wishaw teacher retires after battling back to work after cancer scare

A popular Wishaw teacher has retired after battling back to work following a cancer scare.  Calderbridge Primary teacher Ann Haig said goodbye to the school after 40 years on Friday along with colleagues Heather Holland and June Mann.  Mrs Haig was diagnosed with breast cancer last March but returned to the school earlier this year.  She said: “I could have retired last summer but I didn’t want to go out while I was off sick.  “I wanted to prove to myself that I could come back and teach.  “I finished the term up to last summer and I had my treatment up until November but I was always popping into the school.  “I am cancer free at the moment but I will still be going back to get checked out until 2021.”  The pupils and staff at Calderbridge decided to raise money in aid of Cancer Research UK after learning about how the charity helped Mrs Haig throughout her cancer battle.  A Race for Life event was held with staff, pupils and parents all taking part raising more than £6,000 for the charity.  Calderbridge class teacher Jacqueline Wilson is also part of the school’s sports committee who organised the Race For Life.  She said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to raise such a huge amount. The school’s nursery class alone raised over £1,000.  “The children, staff and parents were all part of it. We were shocked when we totalled the money and found we had such a large amount of money to hand over to the charity.  “Mrs Haig spoke to the pupils at an assembly about how the charity and her own battle with cancer .  “I think it really struck a cord with all the pupils.”  Mrs Haig added: “I was really touched when they thought of me when they decided to do the Race For Life.  “I’m a glass half full kind of person. That’s who I am.  “I just take each day as it comes and really enjoy life.  “You have to try and be as positive as you can be.”


thedailyrecord--2019-07-05--Former UK Teacher of the Year Christine Emmett retires from St Elizabeths Primary

Former UK Teacher of the Year Christine Emmett retires from St Elizabeth's Primary

It was the end of an era at St Elizabeth’s Primary in Hamilton last week as a long-serving member of staff said a fond farewell.  Principal teacher Christine Emmett enjoyed a special assembly, with the children singing some delightful songs to her before being presented with gifts, prior to her retirement on Friday, June 28.  A well-respected member of the Silvertonhill and Eddlewood community, she has worked at St Elizabeth’s Primary for the last 35 years  Back in 2013 she was left “absolutely stunned” after being crowned UK Teacher of the Year, accepting her award from fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwoor.  At the time, when asked about the secret to her success in the classroom, a humble Christine said: “Listen, I’m not Superwoman. There are many others doing exactly, or even more, than me. I simply try to keep up to date with my pupils and our community.  “I get to know the children and form relationships with them. I involve their families, and give each and every child their say as every single one of them matters.  “I’m a firm believer that if I’m a good teacher, then the children will be even better but I couldn’t do it without the massive army of support behind me – and they all know who they are.”  And after her last day at the school, Christine said this week: “I`m retiring after 35 years and I can`t believe all the love and kind thoughts coming my way.  “It’s the end of an era for me at the school and, indeed, with my relationship with the Advertiser.  “I’m sad but overjoyed at all the kindness shown to me this last week from tons of people, past and present.  “Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the St Elizabeth`s Community for the last 35 years of love and support.  “I wish everyone, in particular my fellow teaching staff and pupils, all the very best of luck. I’m now going to enjoy my retirement with my granddaughter and spend more time with my parents.”

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk (Leona  Greenan)


theindependent--2019-05-27--Gloucester cheese rolling race winner retires after spraining ankle

Bronchitis, sprained ankles and bad memories were not enough to put off competitors from taking part in the world-famous cheese rolling race.  Max McDougall, 22, claimed his first ever victory in the daredevil 200ft tumble down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire.  His triumph came just 12 months after he knocked himself out trying to catch the cheese. ”I just went for it,” he said. “Pick a line and stick to it.”  Meanwhile, Flo Early, 28, won the women’s race for the fourth time – and immediately announced her retirement after picking up an injury.  “If you go fast from the beginning the hill will do the rest,” she said.  “You want to keep your ankles heavy in the ground and aim for the gate – that’s the tips I have been given.  “I’m done now, this is it, I’m retired. I’m in pain with this ankle, it’s a sprain but it feels pretty uncomfortable.”  The two other men’s races were won by nine-time victor Ryan Fairley, 29, from Brockworth, and Mark Kit, 21, from Toronto in Canada.  Mr Kit said he had been inspired to take part after seeing videos of cheese rolling as a child.  “I didn’t know what was going on,” he said. “I took the first 10 steps and I just started sliding and the next thing I knew I was at the bottom and nobody else beat me.  “Now we’re going to the pub. I got bronchitis yesterday and I figured I wasn’t going to win the uphill race and going down is a lot easier.”  Describing his technique, Mr Fairley said: “Just run and lean back and don’t just try and tumble forward because if you lean back you stay on your feet.  “My back does hurt a little bit but nothing that won’t sort itself out. I’ve got work tomorrow.”  The tradition of cheese rolling is thought to have its origins in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.  It has been held annually on the Spring Bank Holiday for years but the official competition was cancelled due to health and safety fears after more than 15,000 people turned up to watch it in 2009.  The rebel version has continued, although a police warning in 2013 prompted the use of a lightweight foam cheese instead of the genuine article.  Real cheeses, made by Diana Smart and her son Rod, who had produced cheese for the chase for more than 25 years, were awarded to the winners.  The madcap races attracted TV crews from around the world, including Netflix.  Champion cheese chaser Chris Anderson, who last year broke the record number of wins by claiming his 22nd victory, did not compete in this year’s context because he was on holiday.


theirishtimes--2019-06-28--Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Raymond Field retires at 75

Bishop Raymond Field, one of Dublin’s two Catholic Auxiliary bishops, who was part of a mission to climb the Himalayas 25 years ago, has retired after reaching his 75th birthday.  A barrister, who was called to the Irish and English bars, Bishop Field was a member of the first successful Irish expedition to Mount Everest with Dawson Stelfox in 1993.  From Drumcondra in Dublin he attended O’Connell Schools and Holy Cross College, Clonliffe before his ordination in 1970. Later, he served as a prison chaplain and head chaplain of the Defence Forces.  In September 1997 he was appointed Titular Bishop of Ard Mór and Auxiliary bishop of Dublin and dealt mainly with the rapidly growing area of north county Dublin.  Chair of the Irish Bishops’ Council for Justice and Peace and of their Council for Immigrants and, as diocesan health care representative, he led preparations in the diocese for World Day of the Sick celebrations since 2002.  Archbishop Dublin Diarmuid Martin thanked Bishop Field “for his dedicated service within the diocese”, saying that he wished him “every blessing for the years to come”.  The Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin expressed gratitude “for his contribution to the life of the Church and to the work of the Bishops’ Conference since his ordination as a bishop in 1997”.  His retirement means that Dublin now has just one Catholic Auxiliary bishop, Bishop Eamonn Walsh, who will be 75 in September. Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin will be 75 next April.


thesun--2019-02-05--Rochdales Joe Thompson retires from football after two battles with cancer

Rochdale’s Joe Thompson retires from football after two battles with cancer

ROCHDALE ace Joe Thompson is retiring aged 29 after surviving two battles with cancer.  The midfielder played just shy off 200 games for Dale over two spells having come through the club's academy.  ![ Joe Thompson will hang up his boots after returning from cancer twice]()  REUTERS/Eddie Keogh  Joe Thompson will hang up his boots after returning from cancer twice  Thompson scored the goal that kept his side in League One last season but has not played since the opening day of the season.  He will now move into media work and motivational speaking after showing incredible fight to come back twice from the debilitating disease.  The popular footballer said: "My decision to retire is one of the hardest I've ever made.  "I have battled through some of life's hardest challenges and have managed to overcome them. However, I've pushed my body to the absolute limit.  "My mind has grown stronger but with the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game."  ![ The midfielder took on Tottenham in the FA Cup last season]()  REUTERS/Eddie Keogh  The midfielder took on Tottenham in the FA Cup last season  ![ Joe Thompson will say goodbye to fans on Saturday]()  Rex Features  Joe Thompson will say goodbye to fans on Saturday  Thompson will say goodbye to Dale fans on Saturday during the league clash against Coventry and there will be a minute's applause in the 15th minute to mark his shirt number.  The brave playmaker was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and given the all clear in 2014.  His second diagnoses came in March 2017 but he was able to return for the end of last season.  England legend John Barnes jumps to Liam Neeson's defence after audio interview sparks race row  He added: "I believe I have a duty to mentor to younger professionals in the game.  "I also feel my story has the power to help others in all walks of life to overcome their own adversities and empower them to fulfil their potential."


thesun--2019-03-22--Ex-Stoke and Ireland star Jonathan Walters retires at 35 after Achilles heel finished me off

Ex-Stoke and Ireland star Jonathan Walters retires at 35 after ‘Achilles heel finished me off’

JONATHAN WALTERS has retired from football aged 35 after claiming: "My Achilles heel finished me off!"  The Burnley striker has called time on his career after saying he is unable to continue as he battles persistent injuries.  Walters described it as "ironic" that his Achilles heel was his Achilles heel, calling his long career in the sport "epic".  Walters announced the news on Twitter, writing: "Isn’t it ironic... my Achilles heel has literally been my Achilles heel and finished me off!  "I am now retired from playing football. It’s been epic. Veni vidi vici."  Walters is still technically a Burnley player having signed for the Clarets in 2017, but last played for Ipswich earlier this season during a loan spell.    ## STOKE LEGEND  The 54-cap Republic of Ireland international played just four games for Ipswich this season in August and September before injury struck.  Walters kicked off his senior career in 2000 with Blackburn, before spending three years at Bolton between 2001 and 2004.  A season apiece at Hull, Wrexham and Chester came next before he settled down at Ipswich for three years.  Walters enjoyed the best years of his career though between 2010 and 2017 at Stoke, scoring 43 goals in 226 league outings.  As his career wound down, the Irishman swapped Stoke for Burnley, but was only able to make three Premier League appearances before he was shipped off on loan.  Earlier this year, [Walters bravely spoke out about his test for bowel cancer](https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8254326/premier-league-jonathan-walters- account-camera-backside-bowel-cancer-test/) after losing his mum to the disease.  The Irishman shared the experience on Twitter in a light-hearted manner to raise awareness.  ![ Jonathan Walters has retired from football aged 35 through injury]()  Reuters  Jonathan Walters has retired from football aged 35 through injury  ### Jonathan Walters' career  **2000-01** : Blackburn  **2001-02** : Bolton  **2003** : Hull (loan)  **2003** : Crewe (loan)  **2003** : Barnsley (loan)  **2004-05** : Hull  **2005-06** : Wrexham  **2006-07** : Chester  **2007-10** : Ipswich  **2010-17** : Stoke  **2017-19** : Burnley  **2018** : Ipswich (loan)  ![ Jonathan Walters earned over 50 international caps for Ireland]()  Getty  Jonathan Walters earned over 50 international caps for Ireland  Jonathan Walters breaks down discussing mother's death


thesun--2019-03-23--Who is Noel Fehily Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey retires after final Newbury rides today

Who is Noel Fehily? Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey retires after final Newbury rides today

Fehily won the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival on Eglantine Du Seuil before announcing his decision in an emotional post-race interview.  Fehily had suffered a couple of nasty injuries in recent years and decided that 2019 would be his last Cheltenham Festival.  He went out on a high after riding the 50-1 shot to victory. Fehily has three rides at Newbury today before leaving the weighing room for the final time.    Fehily had struck up a partnership for several years with one of the most promising young trainers in the business, Harry Fry.  Fehily also rides for owner Roger Brookhouse and rode his Summerville Boy to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.  The Irish jockey also rides plenty for Tom George and other top trainers.  Fehily has ridden the likes of Buveur D'Air and Special Tiara to Cheltenham Festival glory in recent years and has had many notable rides in the last decade of his career.  He formed a regular partnership with the Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti that included a superb front-running win in the King George VI Chase.  Fehily partnered Master Minded to win the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and was victorious in the 2012 Champion Hurdle with Rock On Ruby.


thesun--2019-05-31--Rob Green retires from football aged 39 just days after celebrating Europa League win in full Chelse

Rob Green retires from football aged 39 just days after celebrating Europa League win in full Chelsea kit

ROB GREEN has announced his retirement from the football aged 39.  The Chelsea keeper has penned an emotional statement after calling time on his 23-year professional career.  ![ Rob Green was in full kit and lifting the Europa League trophy in Baku - despite not even making the bench]()  6  Rob Green was in full kit and lifting the Europa League trophy in Baku - despite not even making the benchCredit: Ian Whittaker - The Sun  One of his final acts was when he lifted the Europa League trophy after the Blues thumped Arsenal 4-1 in Baku.  [This was in full kit, despite the former Norwich and QPR custodian not even making the bench](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9181160/rob-green- video-europa-league-trophy-full-kit-chelsea-john-terry/).  In his statement that he posted to social media, Green said: “Being part of the group and celebrations with such a special squad of players after winning the Europa League seems a fitting way to end what’s been an amazing journey for me in the game.  “I’ve loved every moment and feel privileged to have enjoyed the career I have. I’ve played with, and against, some of best players in the world and have experienced so much that professional football has to offer.”  ![ Rob Green started his career with Norwich, making 223 appearances for the Canaries]()  6  Rob Green started his career with Norwich, making 223 appearances for the CanariesCredit: PA:Empics Sport  ![ Fine performances for Norwich earned Green a £2m move to West Ham]()  6  Fine performances for Norwich earned Green a £2m move to West HamCredit: Getty Images - Getty  ![ But his career highlight was making 12 appearances for England, debuting in 2005]()  6  But his career highlight was making 12 appearances for England, debuting in 2005Credit: Getty Images - Getty  ### ROB GREEN - FULL STATEMENT  Following an incredible evening in Baku on Wednesday and after a 23 year career spanning three decades, I’ve decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from professional football.  Being part of the group and celebrations with such a special squad of players after winning the Europa League seems a fitting way to end what’s been an amazing journey for me in the game.  I’ve loved every moment and feel privileged to have enjoyed the career I have. I’ve played with, and against, some of best players in the world and have experienced so much that professional football has to offer.  I’ve had the joy of representing some fantastic clubs, all of whom have helped to shape me in their own varying way. Thank you to all of the fans and everybody connected with Norwich City, West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Chelsea. Representing my country will always be one of my proudest achievements and I feel honoured to have played for England.  Thank you to all of the managers, coaches and staff I’ve worked with and thank you to all of the teammates that I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years. Collectively we’ve shared some amazing times and I leave the game with memories that I’ll always treasure.  A special thank you must go to my Mum and Dad and entire family for your unwavering support. It means so much for them to have followed and watched nearly all my games, sharing my highs and lows.  Finally a thank you to my wife and our two children. Thank you for your care and encouragement, it was so special for you to share Wednesday night together with me.  Looking forward I’m excited about what the future has to offer. I hope to remain connected with the game that’s given me so much in some capacity, whatever that proves to be, but for now I’m just looking forward to having my first summer off in 23 years! Thanks for the memories.      Robert  Green started at Norwich and had spells at West Ham, QPR, Leeds and Huddersfield before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.  It was somewhat of a surprise considering he was only third choice at the Terriers.  But he never played a competitive game for Chelsea - his only appearance between the sticks was in the recent charity friendly against New England Revolution in the US.  The likeable keeper event admitted to "finding a cup of tea and going to sit in the stands" during away games such was his involvement, or lack of.  Green went to the World Cup with England in 2010 and the Euros two years later.  He made 12 appearances for the Three Lions.  Green added: “Looking forward I’m excited about what the future has to offer.  "I hope to remain connected with the game that’s given me so much in some capacity, whatever that proves to be.  "But for now I’m just looking forward to having my first summer off in 23 years!”  ![ Rob Green spent six years at West Ham before moving on to fellow Londoners QPR]()  6  Rob Green spent six years at West Ham before moving on to fellow Londoners QPRCredit: Getty Images - Getty  ![ Even at Huddersfield, Rob Green never saw much action as third choice]()  6  Even at Huddersfield, Rob Green never saw much action as third choiceCredit: Getty - Contributor  Rob Green goes full John Terry wearing kit to lift Europa League trophy despite not getting medal or making bench


thetelegraph--2019-02-25--Former Arsenal and France midfielder Abou Diaby retires aged 32

Former Arsenal and France midfielder Abou Diaby has retired from football aged 32.  Diaby made the announcement live on French television channel RMC's "Footissime" show after several years suffering with injuries, having most recently played for Marseille in 2017.  He said: "I am bringing an end to my professional career. It is the right time.  "For a number of years it has been difficult for me to return, with a lot of physical problems.  "It is a difficult decision but I have thought a lot about my decision and I am at ease with it. After Marseille, I gave myself a year to come back but it was harder than I thought, and I have decided to stop."


eveningstandard--2019-08-08--South African great Hashim Amla retires from international cricket

South African batsman Hashim Amla has announced his retirement from international cricket.  The 36-year-old, who is the Proteas’ second-highest Test run scorer, behind only the legendary Jacques Kallis, calls time on a 15-year career during which he played almost 350 internationals across all formats.  A prolific limited overs player, Amla was the fastest man to reach 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 ODI runs. He passed 8000 runs during South Africa’s disappointing World Cup campaign this summer, though Indian captain Virat Kohli retained the record for the quickest to reach that milestone.  Amla will continue to play in T20 franchise cricket around the world. He has previously enjoyed stints in the Indian Premier League, as well as the Caribbean and South African equivalents.  His retirement from the international stage follows that of fellow South African stalwarts Imran Tahir and JP Duminy, while fast bowler Dale Steyn has also stepped down from Test cricket in order to prolong his playing career.


eveningstandard--2019-10-08--Former Bayern and Man Utd star Bastian Schweinsteiger retires from playing football

Former Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from playing football.  The 35-year-old who won 121 caps for his country scoring 24 goals, will hang up his boots at the end of the MLS season.  Schweinsteiger enjoyed a glittering career after coming through the youth system at Bayern, making 500 appearances for the Bavarian giants in a 13-year spell where he won the Bundesliga eight times and collected seven DFB-Pokal titles.  He was instrumental in Bayern's last Champions League triumph in 2013 and helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014.  He then opted to join Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, arriving on a free transfer in 2015, but after making 35 appearances he departed for the USA with Chicago Fire just 18 months later.  In an open letter posted on social media, Schweinsteiger bid an emotional farewell to his fans and hinted he will remain in football in another capacity.  "The time has now come and I will be finishing my active career at the end of this season. I would thank both you and my teams FC Bayern, Manchester United, Chicago Fire and the German national team. You made this unbelievable time possible for me.  "And of course, I would also like to thank my wife Ana Ivanovic and my family for their support.  "Saying goodbye as an active player makes me feel a little nostalgic, but I am also looking forward to the exciting challenges that await me soon. I will remain faithful to football.  "Many, many thanks for the time we spent together, I will always have a place for you in my heart! Yours, Basti."  The German has already played in his final game for Chicago after the MLS outfit failed to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.


newyorkpost--2019-03-24--Patriots unlikely Super Bowl hero receiver retires at 26

Patriots’ unlikely Super Bowl hero receiver retires at 26

Former New England Patriots receiver Malcolm Mitchell has ended his short NFL career, he announced over the weekend.  Speaking at an event at his alma mater, Georgia, Mitchell told attendees he was moving on to a “new chapter” of his life.  The oft-injured Mitchell was waived by the Patriots before the 2018 season and spent the year out of the league. He was continuing to battle a knee issue after missing all but one preseason game in 2017.  A fourth-round pick from Georgia in 2016, Mitchell carried injury concerns from college after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee early in the Bulldogs’ 2013 season.  Through two years in the NFL, the 26-year-old played in 14 games (six starts), all in 2016, catching 32 passes for 401 yards and four scores. He added six grabs for 70 yards in the team’s Super Bowl LI victory that postseason.


newyorkpost--2019-06-26--Bob Ley retires from ESPN

Bob Ley retires from ESPN

Bob Ley’s break from ESPN will be permanent.  Ley, an institution at the network, announced on Wednesday morning that he would be retiring from ESPN.  “Across 40 years I have enjoyed a professional journey unimaginable when I joined ESPN in 1979. Each day since has been a unique adventure, one I embraced for the challenge and unequaled fun of a job like no other,” Ley tweeted. “Now, it is time for a change. I will be retiring from ESPN, as of the end of the month. To be clear, this is entirely my decision. I enjoy the best of health and the many blessings of friends and family, and it is in that context that I’m making this change.”  Ley, 64, was the most established and trusted voice at the network, and started three days after the network launched. He has long hosted “Outside the Lines,” the investigative news show that covered the most significant subjects in sports. He had also become the face of ESPN’s soccer coverage.  “To (ESPN president) Jimmy Pitaro and his senior leadership team, my sincere personal thanks for their understanding and patience over the past months,” Ley wrote. “Through the decades, and my innumerable experiences at ESPN, I have built many deep and fulfilling friendships. You know who you are. I hope you also know how much you mean to me. We have shared an American story unlike any other. And we will continue to do so in the years ahead.  “I have been gifted by our our viewers and consumers with a precious commodity — your trust. To be invited into your homes was a privilege I never took for granted, one I worked each day to uphold. Thank you for that. In September, I signed off my last show saying, “I’ll catch you on the flip side.’ Now it’s time to take that vinyl off the turntable (ask your folks), flip it over, and drop the needle on the B-side. There are always great cuts, and hidden gems on the B-side.


newyorkpost--2019-06-29--Darren Collison retires to focus on being Jehovahs Witness

Darren Collison retires to focus on being Jehovah’s Witness

From the back court to your front door.  Pacers point guard Darren Collison shockingly announced he’s retiring to focus on being a Jehovah’s Witness.  “While I still love basketball, I know there is something more important, which is my family and my faith. I am one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and my faith means everything to me,” the 31-year-old wrote in a column published Friday on The Undefeated.  Collison was on verge of becoming an unrestricted free agent, where ESPN reported he could command offers of between $10 million to $12 million per year. The 10-year veteran averaged 11.2 points and six assists per game last season.  “I didn’t see this coming, but I’m happy for him,” Pacers’ forward Myles Turner told Hoopshype.  Turner said he attended religious meetings with Collison to show his support.  “I receive so much joy from volunteering to help others and participate in a worldwide ministry,” Turner wrote in his retirement announcement. “The joy I feel is unmatched.”


newyorkpost--2019-10-16--Brock Osweiler retires in the middle of ‘Brocktober’

Brock Osweiler, who parlayed a brief stint in relief of Peyton Manning with the Broncos into a $72 million free-agent contract, announced his retirement Wednesday from the NFL.  “I’m extremely grateful for the time I did receive playing in the National Football League,’’ Osweiler told 9News. “The experiences I did have, people I did meet, relationships I did make — I’m not going to dwell on the things that didn’t happen in my career.  ‘Being a kid from Kalispell, Montana, playing for the Denver Broncos, winning a Super Bowl, having the opportunity to sign a second contract – when you look back on it, I couldn’t be more appreciative. It was great.”  Osweiler was Denver’s second-round pick in 2012 — ahead of Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins and Nick Foles — and backed up Manning for three seasons before an injury pressed him into starting duty for four games in 2015. Manning returned in time for the playoffs, however, and led the Broncos to a win in Super Bowl 50 over Carolina.  Osweiler signed a $72 million deal with $36 million guaranteed with Houston, but he was salary-dumped after one season to Cleveland and released before ever playing for the Browns. He briefly returned to Denver in 2017 before appearing in seven games last season with Miami.


thedailycaller--2019-04-17--Chicago Bears Tight End Zach Miller Retires After Horrific Knee Injury

The talented player suffered one of the worst knee injuries I’ve ever seen back in 2017, and it has officially put an end to his playing days. (RELATED: Chicago Bears Pull Off Super Classy Move For Injured Player)  The time has come to move on from playing the game of football. It has been an incredible journey for myself and my entire family and we can’t thank you enough for your continued support. I would love more than anything to step on Soldier Field one last time but I physically cannot give the game and our fans what they deserve.  You can read his full post below.  This sucks for Miller. He was such a talented player before he got hurt. The man was a great receiving threat, and it was all over after one play.  The NFL is a crazy world, and sometimes, awful things like this can happen.  Luckily for Miller, he’s made more than $8 million during his career. It’s not exactly generational wealth, but he should have a nice safety net if he’s smart with his money.  He could probably also get into coaching if he wants to pursue that path. My guess is that he’s going to have to keep working after not earning a ton during his career, but he should have options.  It sucks that his career came to such an awful run. You just hate to see it, but sometimes, these things are unavoidable.  It should be interesting to see where he goes from here. What an awful turn of events, but at least he hung around for a while in the NFL.  That’s more than can be said for a lot of guys.


thedailyrecord--2019-07-30--Airdrie businessman retires as co-director of courier firm after three decades

An Airdrie businessman is retiring as co-director of his courier firm after more than three decades with the company.  Jerry Stewart has stepped down from Eagle Couriers – which he first joined as a depot manager in Glasgow in 1988, going on to rise up the ranks and playing a key role in its management buy-out 13 years ago.  He said: “I’ve seen the transport industry change a great deal since the early boom years and I’ve developed a true passion for it.  “It’s been a pleasure to help the firm hit so many significant milestones over the years, building robust credentials and reputation and playing a key role in all types of business.  “Our service ethos has always been strong, and expanding the team and training drivers and operators committed to our values and excellence has definitely been a highlight.  “We’ve proven time and time again that Eagle can adapt to tough changes and challenging conditions.  “It will be gratifying to continue watching the company’s future successes from the sidelines – it’s been an amazing journey.”  Click here for more from Airdrie and Coatbridge  Jerry was elected as a fellow of the Institute of Couriers in 2015, receiving the title at a ceremony held in the House of Lords.  The 68-year-old was at the helm for “significant recent expansion” of the Bathgate-based firm, which acquired THS Couriters and Wey Group International during the past two years to expand its presence south of the border.  His retirement means fellow long-serving co-director Fiona Deas will become Eagle Couriers’ sole director after 21 years with the firm.  Jerry said: “The company is left in remarkably capable hands with Fiona and I have no doubt that it will continue to boost its growth and expand operations.”  Fiona added: “Jerry is an exemplary figure in the UK’s transport industry with a great deal of hands-on expertise.  “He’s been a pillar of the company and played an integral part in its evolution into a modern, flourishing business – and we wish him well in his retirement.”

reporters@dailyrecord.co.uk (Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser)


theindependent--2019-04-05--Israel Dagg New Zealand international retires from rugby after succumbing to serious knee injury

Israel Dagg: New Zealand international retires from rugby after succumbing to serious knee injury

New Zealand international Israel Dagg has announced his retirement at the age of 30 after failing to recover from a serious knee problem.  Dagg required two operations on the injury that was initially sustained in early 2018 before suffering a recurrence while on Super Rugby duty for the Crusaders last weekend.  The gifted full-back and wing won 66 caps and was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning All Blacks squad.  "While it's bittersweet to mark the end of my playing career, I'm grateful to still be able to contribute to this Crusaders team in 2019," said Dagg, who took medical advice to retire.  "On a personal note, I'm looking forward to taking on some new challenges in the future, and looking forward to spending more time with my young family."  All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen insisted it was a shame to see Dagg walk away from the game, but that his legacy was secured.  "It's always a shame when injury forces a player to retire, but 'Izzy' will leave our game knowing that he'll forever be remembered as an outstanding player who definitely enhanced the All Blacks jersey and contributed to the legacy of the team," said Hansen.  "He had an outstanding debut season for us in 2010, scoring that final try in the Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg, and then took that form into the Rugby World Cup in 2011 where he was one of the stars of the tournament, and he played a major part in the All Blacks being successful at that tournament.  "We'll all miss his outstanding rugby skills on the field, but he was a real character off the field as well. We'll look back fondly at his time in the black jersey - he's a very special man and a very special player.  Dagg was "one of the greats of our game," according to New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew.  "He was an excitement machine on the rugby field and fans knew when he got the ball in his hands that anything could happen," Tew added.


theindependent--2019-10-08--Bastian Schweinsteiger: World Cup winning former Manchester United midfielder retires from football

Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has announced his retirement from football aged 35.  Schweinsteiger came through the academy at Bayern Munich, and made over 500 appearances for the Bavarian club, winning eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups and the Champions League before moving to Manchester United in 2015 where he won the FA Cup under Louis Van Gaal.  The decorated German has been plying his trade with Chicago Fire since 2017 and will now hang up his boots at the end of the current MLS season.  Schweinsteiger retires with 121 caps for the German national team, having played an instrumental role in the teams 2014 World Cup triumph.  In a letter posted on his twitter page, the 35 year-old said: “Dear Fans, the time has now come, and I will be finishing my active career at the end of this season. I would like to thank you both, you and my teams FC Bayern, Manchester United and Chicago Fire and the German National Team.  “You made this unbelievable time possible for me. Saying goodbye as an active player makes me feel a little nostalgic, but I am also looking forward to the exciting challenges that await me soon.  “Many, many thanks for the time we have spent together, I will always have a place for you in my heart. Yours, Basti.”  As Chicago Fire failed to reach this season’s play-offs Schweinsteiger played his last ever game in the team’s 5-2 victory over Orlando City on Sunday.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-02-05--Inspirational Joe Thompson retires from football after twice beating cancer to play for Rochdale hav

Inspirational Joe Thompson retires from football after twice beating cancer to play for Rochdale having 'pushed his body to the limit'

Footballer Joe Thompson, who has twice beaten cancer to play for his boyhood hometown club Rochdale, has announced his retirement from the game.  Confirming his decision, he said he had 'battled through some of life's hardest challenges, and managed to overcome them'.  For Rochdale fans, his dedication, skill and passion will never be forgetten.  And he will always be remembered for his fairytale strike against Charlton Athletic at Spotland last May, which kept Rochdale in League One and sent rivals Oldham Athletic down to League Two - a goal he said 'meant the world to me'.  The club released a statement from Thompson confirming his retirement 'with a heavy heart'.  In it the 29-year-old winger said retirement was 'one of the hardest I've ever had to make', but confirmed talks had been ongoing with specialists and consultants.  Rochdale's Number 15 said he had 'pushed his body to the absolute limit' and now wants to mentor young professionals in the game.  Thompson said: "My mind has grown stronger but with the intense treatment my body has had to endure over the last six years, it is no longer able to perform to the demands of the professional game.  "I owe it to my body and also to my family who have all seen me go through hell on more than one occasion. I would like to thank them dearly; particularly my wife Chantelle, my mum Michelle, brother Reuben and my amazing daughter Lula.  "You have all been my light in my darkest days.  "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my teammates, my manager Keith Hill and all the staff at Rochdale. You are truly an unbelievable group of people.  "Thank you for all the support and faith you have put in me over the years. It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside you all and create memories I shall cherish forever."  He said he would be working in the fields of motivational speaking, mentoring and the media.  "I am a firm believer that when one door closes another door opens," Thompson added. "I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities that will come my way.  Read more of today's top stories here  "I believe I have a duty to mentor to younger professionals in the game. I also feel my story has the power to help others in all walks of life to overcome their own adversities and empower them to fulfil their potential."  He singled out Rochdale's board of directors for dealing with his illnesses 'with the utmost professionalism'.  "Last but not least, I would like to thank the footballing world, especially the Rochdale fans who have been with me since I made my debut 13 years ago."  "That goal at the end of last season meant the world to me, to be able to share that with you all made me immensely proud. I’ve received thousands of messages from football fans around the world and it’s been truly humbling. I cannot thank you enough.  "Without my family and football, I honestly can say I don’t know whether l'd be here. Don’t live life to survive, live to thrive."  After moving to live in Rochdale, the former pupil of St Cuthbert's RC High School spent time as a teenager at Manchester United's academy alongside the likes of now established Premier League stars Tom Cleverley, Danny Simpson, Danny Drinkwater and Tom Heaton.  He was released just days before his 16th birthday and moved to Rochdale in 2006, making his debt in the May, before signing professional terms.  In 2012 he signed for Tranmere Rovers and it was while playing for the club that he was given the news he was suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma, and could have been suffering with it for up to three years.  The football world rallied round him during his chemotherapy and he returned to the pitch playing for Bury, Carlisle, and then Rochdale again.  But in March 2017, he was given the news that would turn his life upside once again - a tumour was found on his chest.  During his second bout of treatment he had a stem cell transplant and after months of treatment, he returned to football in December 2017 after being told he was in complete remission. In total, he made 182 appearances for Rochdale, scoring 19 goals.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-07-26--Micah Richards sends Man City fans a message as he retires at 31

Micah Richards has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.  And the former Manchester City and England defender signed off with a message for the club’s fans, saying “Once a blue, always a blue”.  Richards has given up after a fight against injury which has seen him play just two games in three seasons for Aston Villa, who released him this summer.  He told the City website: “City has always been my spiritual home and where I enjoyed my best years as a player.  “Being part of the side that ended the long wait for silverware - in 2011 and 2012 - was very special. It kick-started this new era and the club has never looked back. What has happened since has been amazing.  “I feel lucky to have been asked back to help spread the City message and can’t wait to get going. I know it will be fun because City fans are incredible and always have been.”  Richards was part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2011 and followed it up with the Premier League title in 2012, and he also won 13 caps for his country after becoming the youngest England defender in history as an 18-year-old in 2006.  He ended up making 245 appearances for City in ten seasons, and will return to the club to work on an "ad hoc" basis.  But he struggled with injuries while at City and after playing 24 games in his first season at Villa has not really figured since.  He said: “I’m a footballer and I want to play football, but the knee would swell up to the point where I couldn’t even train properly. “I would have liked to have given Aston Villa more on the pitch, but it just wasn’t to be.”  And Richards rues the fact that he never truly got to say goodbye, especially to the City fans who treated him well.  “It’s not the ideal way to finish a career for sure. I’d much rather have said goodbye in the way Vinny did in his last few games for City but it wasn’t to be.  “It has been an unequal battle with injury ever since I left City and – being honest - for a good while during my last season at the Etihad.  “I finish my playing days happy that I reached the level that I did. I won the Premier League and the FA Cup, played for England and represented Great Britain at an Olympic games. I consider myself blessed and I am looking forward to renewing my many friendships at City. It is a special place that looks after its own.  “Whether I eventually take coaching badges and stay on that side of the game may be a decision for another time.”


thesun--2019-01-16--Chelsea to offer Petr Cech coaching or ambassador role when Premier League great retires at end of s

Chelsea to offer Petr Cech coaching or ambassador role when Premier League great retires at end of season

CHELSEA reportedly want to bring Petr Cech back to the club when he retires at the end of the season.  The veteran Arsenal stopper, 26, announced yesterday that he is going to [call it a day after a 20-year career.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8198205/petre-cech- retirement-career-arsenal-chelsea-stats/)  ![ Petr Cech is a Chelsea icon after a trophy-laden spell at the club]()  Getty Images - Getty  Petr Cech is a Chelsea icon after a trophy-laden spell at the club  And the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6595761/Chelsea-open- door-Petr-Cech-Arsenal-goalkeeper-announced-retirement.html) claims the Blues will offer Cech an ambassadorial or coaching role after his years of service for the club.  He moved to Stamford Bridge from Rennes in 2004 and spent 11 seasons with the [Blues](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196660/chelsea/) before joining the [Gunners in 2015](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196653/arsenal/).  Cech won[ four league titles, four FA Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League while in West London.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8203962/petr-cech-roman- abramovich-chelsea/)  And he will go down in Premier League history after[ setting the all-time clean sheet record with 202 shut-outs.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8192817 /cech-trolls-himself-arsenal-clean-sheet-record-de-gea/)  ![ Petr Cech will retire after losing his No1 jersey at Arsenal]()  News Group Newspapers Ltd  Petr Cech will retire after losing his No1 jersey at Arsenal  The 124-cap Cezch Republic hero has yet to make a decision on his future after making an announcement yesterday.  He wrote: "This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of this season.  Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech announces his retirement at the end of the season  "Having played 15 years in the Premier League, and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve.  "I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully win one more trophy this season, then I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch."  Petr Cech retirement announcement is discussed by Jim White and Micky Gray on talkSPORT


thesun--2019-01-21--Glen Johnson retires from football aged 34 after 17-year career with Chelsea and Liverpool

FORMER Chelsea and Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has announced his retirement from football.  The 34-year-old has been without a club since being released by Stoke last summer.  ![ Former England international Glen Johnson has announced his retirement from football]()  Getty Images - Getty  Former England international Glen Johnson has announced his retirement from football  [Johnson](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/glen-johnson/) won every English major honour up for grabs, winning the Premier League with the Blues, League Cup with the Reds and the FA Cup with Portsmouth.  Speaking to [Jim White on talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/478409 /chelsea-liverpool-defender-glen-johnson-announces-retirement/), he said: "Today is the day I’m officially saying I’ve retired.  “I knew halfway through last season I was going to call it a day. I always wanted to retire at an age where my body still felt good."  Johnson - who started off his career at [West Ham](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196655/west-ham/) \- won 54 appearances for England since making his debut in 2003, netting once in the 3-1 win against Mexico in 2010.  ![ Johnson, 34, won 54 caps for the Three Lions, with his last appearance coming in 2014]()  Getty - Contributor  Johnson, 34, won 54 caps for the Three Lions, with his last appearance coming in 2014  ![ Johnson won the Premier League with Chelsea during the 2004/05 season]()  Reuters  Johnson won the Premier League with Chelsea during the 2004/05 season  He featured in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups as well as the 2012 European Championship.  Johnson was the first player bought under Roman Abramovich's ownership of [Chelsea](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196660/chelsea/) \- making 71 appearances before being flogged off to Pompey.  After starring in their historic FA Cup run, he was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year the following season, while also winning the Goal of the Year for his stunning volley against Hull.  An £18.5million soon followed to [Liverpool](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196659/liverpool/) and after 200 games at Anfield, he left on a free to Stoke, where he featured just ten time times last campaign as the Potters were relegated.  Watch all the Premier League highlights from Saturday and Sunday's matches