Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson, who have beat cancer twice during his career, has announced that he is to retire from professional football.
The 29 year old has been forced to retire played after saying that it has “pushed his body to the absolute limit”.
? Following @JJL_Thompson's announcement, we can confirm that there are a number of events planned to celebrate Joe's services to Rochdale Football Club.
Read more here ? https://t.co/UOPSGxp6sv #RAFC
— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) February 5, 2019
The former Tranmere and Carlisle player said on the Dale club website: “My decision to retire has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. After several discussions with my specialists and consultants it is with a heavy heart that I am retiring from the game I love.
“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.
“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.
“I am a firm believer that when one door closes another door opens. I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities that will come my way. I am hugely excited to enter the world of motivational speaking, mentoring and the media. 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.
“A special mention must go to the Board at Rochdale, both past and present, who alongside the PFA, have dealt with my situation with the upmost 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. It’s been a pleasure.”
Following Rochdale player Joe Thompson’s statement that he would retire from playing, fans took to praise him, wish him well and give their memories – take a look at what they had to say on the next page.
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