CALLUM JOHNSON has been forced to retire from football after revealing his “body is no longer able to continue”.
Johnson penned an emotional statement via his last club, National League side Gateshead, on Monday evening.
Callum Johnson has been forced to retire after a string of muscle injuriesCredit: Jed Leicester
The 29-year-old, who played for clubs including and , said he had suffered a string of 14 successive muscle injuries.
Johnson joined the Tynesiders last July and made 11 appearances for the club, the last one coming in November.
His statement said: “This isn’t an announcement I ever imagined making at 29 years old.
“However, those who know me or have followed my journey will know I have suffered from 14 muscle injuries over the last two and a half seasons.
“Although we eventually discovered the cause of the constant muscle injuries, my body is no longer able to continue playing.
“To all of the fans of every club I have played for, whether I was playing 40 games a season in my prime or in recent years doing everything possible to get back fit and showing glimpses on the pitch of what I was capable of, thank you for your support.
“To all the players I have shared the dressing room with, I’ve met some top professionals, learnt so much throughout my career and made friendships that will last a lifetime, best of luck with the rest of your careers.
“Thank you to the managers and staff who put their trust in me, I always did everything I could to repay your belief in me on the pitch.”
Johnson’s stint at Gateshead took his career appearance tally to 264, with the right-back also starring for Accrington, Mansfield Town, and Bradford in the , and Ross County in the .
Gateshead added: “All at Gateshead FC would like to thank Callum for his contributions during his time on Tyneside, and wish him the best of luck in retirement and for the future.”
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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