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Bradford’s Nick Powell reveals he considered retiring in January after going through ‘dark time’

Bradford’s Nick Powell reveals he considered potentially retiring back in January after going through a ‘dark time’.

He came off the bench with Bradford 1-0 down to Newcastle under 21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night and scored twice to give the Bantams the win.

The 32 year old spoke after the game, giving an honest interview on his previous struggles, thought about hanging up his boots, but is now finding his love for the game again.

He said to BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “Yeah, I was going to retire in January. It was a dark time for me. Obviously, I couldn’t see a future here. And it was one of them where did I really want to carry on.

“And the fact that I knocked it down, got back in last season and then did the whole pre-season. And like I said, earned the contract and sort of had the praise from everyone. I fully enjoy it. And now I want more years with that.”

Interviewer: “That must give you such a different perspective on the game if you were at that point, at one stage, within the last year, and now you’re at this point, do you view the game differently now, after being at that point?”

Nick: “Yeah, you do. I feel like I’ve viewed it differently in the last couple of years anyway. I can’t do what I could do at 18 to 25, whatever it was.

“I think the good thing for me is I can adapt to anything on a football pitch. The problem is being on the football pitch, so the fact that I’m on it a lot more this season, it’s, yeah, I’m really happy and hopefully, like I said, my aim is to 50 games.

“We’re obviously going to play 55 minimum or 54 minimum. And if I can play a part in every single one of them, like even tonight, I was not bothered, it was an under 21s team.

“I wanted to play because I want to play in every single match because my minutes going to be limited. So whatever I can do in that short time, I want to be in every game.”

Interviewer: “Have you learned anything about yourself from a physical standpoint, from a mental standpoint within that time?”

Nick: “Physical, yeah. Listen, I probably hadn’t looked after my body in the middle of my career, probably the early stages of my career as well, which has had a massive effect on me now. I am what I am because of what I didn’t do.

“But you can’t dwell on that. Listen, I’m enjoying every second of it. If I finish at 33, if I finish at 35, it is what it is.

“My perspective changed a long time ago. I enjoy every second I play. So, like I said, if it’s a substitute or a start, I’m cherishing every moment.”

Graham Alexander doesn’t hold back reacting to Bradford’s comeback win against Newcastle U21s

NICK POWELL’S CAREER:

Youth career
1999–2010 – Crewe Alexandra

Senior
2010–2012 – Crewe Alexandra – 64 games (16 goals)
2012–2016 – Manchester United – 9 games (1 goal)
2013–2014 → Wigan Athletic (loan) – 41 games (12 goals)
2014–2015 → Leicester City (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
2016 → Hull City (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2016–2019 – Wigan Athletic – 99 games (29 goals)
2019–2023 – Stoke City – 119 games (28 goals)
2023–2025 – Stockport County – 45 games (4 goals)
2025– Bradford City – 25 games (5 goals)

International career
2009–2010 – England U16 – 7 games (1 goal)
2010–2011 – England U17 – 17 games (5 goals)
2012 – England U18 – 1 game (0 goals)
2012–2013 – England U19 – 2 games (1 goal)
2012–2013 – England U21 – 2 games (0 goals)

Here’s how social media users reacted after Bradford’s Nick Powell reveals he considered retiring in January after going through ‘dark time’…

@runobsessive: Absolutely love the guy and so chuffed for him. What a player too. Seeing the gratitude and recognition of how blessed he is to be still doing this is inspirational. Humility brings out the best in everyone.

@KennethPet83293: You’re a real asset to the club Nick

@Andrewjj1964: Class act

@elitelifestyles: Great player! Great guy

@RichSowden78756: Hes a class act like his manager. Not just for his ability….the difference between him humphrys and swan was clear for all to see last night. His attitude is first class. That’s why hes involved alot and the other two arent.

@Wadders273: Fairs, can only look forward now, delighted he didn’t hang those boots up in January. GA DS RS all clearly helped, these are the bits we just don’t see 👏

@ian187: He’s like a captain without having the armband. What a leader and a player for those young players to look up too.

@ProsightMatt: Rolled back the years last night, thought he was superb. Really appreciate his honesty and opening up in this interview about his struggles mentally

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