It has been revealed this afternoon that Newport County defender Fraser Franks has been forced to retire from immediate effect.
The Exiles released a club statement stating that the player has been advised to quit playing due to an issue with his heart.
Franks posted a tweet, it read: “Hard to find the words at the moment but obviously devastated to have to announce my retirement from professional football.
“After becoming ill last month and spending a week in hospital I underwent a number of scans and tests on my heart. Cardiologists found an issue with the heart and I have been forced to retire from football.
“I’ve since had various second opinions and it’s clear that I will have to take the medical advice and unfortunately call time on my playing career.
“I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t been tough so far but as bad as it all seems now I’ve come to realise life goes on and there is a lot more I can achieve and look forward to. I’ve got some amazing family and friends around me and I’d like to thank them, and in particular my wife for their support through this. We have our first child on the way in May which is the biggest blessing that I could ask for.
“I won’t be sitting around feeling sorry for myself, I’ll be working hard to figure out what’s next and will hopefully remain in football in some capacity.
“A special thank you to everyone at Newport County AFC. Everyone at the club has been brilliant in supporting me through this process and I’d loved my time here. Captaining the side in the FA Cup win over Leicester and having the chance to play against Manchester City will live long in the memory for me and my family.
“The news still hasn’t fully sunk in but I’m proud of what I achieved and that I managed to live my childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer. I’ve been able to play for some great clubs and have memories to last a life time.
“I’ve always given it everything and never taken it for granted, and although it’s ended a lot sooner than I expected, I have absolutely loved it.
“Thank you.”
— Fraser Franks (@Fraserfranks) March 21, 2019
Fraser, 28, started his youth career at Chelsea and Brentford, before going on to appear in 320 matches during his senior career, playing for Brentford, Basingstoke Town, AFC Wimbledon, Hayes & Yeading United, Welling United, Luton Town, Stevenage and Newport as stated, scoring 19 goals in total.
Newport wrote in an article on their website: “The Club is doing everything it can to support Fraser and his family at this difficult time and there will be further announcements in the coming weeks.”
STATEMENT | Newport County AFC is saddened to announce the retirement from playing of defender Fraser Franks due to a heart issue.
? https://t.co/eJdiz0hugr#NCAFC pic.twitter.com/Fsovwx26z6
— Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) March 21, 2019
Fans have since taken to Franks and Newport’s tweets to wish him well for the future, players and clubs also had messages of support – find out what they had to say on the next page.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login