Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has been forced to retire at just 23 years old due to an ongoing injury that he has not been able to recover from.
The club released a statement revealing that, ‘following significant determination to return to fitness, including two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period, Paul has unfortunately had to end his playing career.’
The exact injury was not stated, although the reported last year when he signed a new contract that he had sustained a serious hip problem.
‘To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now,” said Woolston.
‘I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level. Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent during my time here.
‘The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal. Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future.
‘Right now, I am fully focused on the next stage of my career. I am ready to use all of my learnings, resilience, drive and determination to make a real success of my life.’
Nick Cox, head of Academy, said: ‘Paul has maximised every opportunity presented to him along his football journey. He has created wonderful memories and developed skills and relationships that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
‘The resilience he has shown throughout the entire process has been really quite amazing. Naturally, the whole of the Academy is bitterly disappointed for Paul, he had already achieved a great deal for a young goalkeeper.
‘He has dealt with the setbacks in a hugely impressive manner and that determination will stand him in great stead for what comes next.’
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