Bolton defender Stephen Darby diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease
Bolton defender Stephen Darby has retired from football after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The full-back, 29, was diagnosed recently by a specialist.
„It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease,“ said Darby, who is married to Manchester City and England women’s captain Steph Houghton.
„I would like to take the opportunity to thank my team-mates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family.
„I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me.“
Darby joined Bolton in July 2017 after five years with Bradford City, having also worked under Parkinson while at Valley Parade.
„This is heart-breaking news for Stephen and his family and the thoughts of everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club are very much with him and Steph,“ said Parkinson.
„He is an outstanding professional and a fantastic person.
„He was simply magnificent during his time at Bradford and was a key figure in the resurgence of Bradford City as a football club.
„He typified everything the city and the football club represented and led by example on and off the pitch.
„The Bolton Wanderers fans didn’t see the best of him due to limited first-team opportunities, but I can assure everyone that he made a significant contribution in last year’s survival.
„He constantly set high standards in training every day and encouraged and drove his fellow team-mates on.
„All the staff and players at Bolton Wanderers Football Club think the world of him and are determined to give him every possible bit of support.“
An England U19 international, Darby came through the youth ranks at hometown club Liverpool and made his first-team debut in a Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.
After loan spells at Swindon, Notts County and Rochdale, Darby joined Bradford in 2012. He made 236 appearances for the Bantams and spent two seasons as club captain.
Bolton chairman Ken Anderson added: „We were all saddened when we found out that Stephen has to retire from the profession he loves.
„Stephen is very well thought of by everybody at Bolton Wanderers and he will always be welcome at the University of Bolton Stadium.
„Our thoughts are with him and his family and friends during this difficult time.“
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