Stuart Dallas Announces Retirement from Football Due to Injury at 32

Stuart Dallas has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.

The former Leeds United and Northern Ireland man has not played since fracturing his right femur in a Premier League game against Manchester City in April 2022.

Dallas did return to first-team training in September, 18 months after the incident, but said on Wednesday that he “must now accept the fact that my knee suffered irreparable damage” and a return to playing is not possible.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the staff, management and medical team at Leeds United for their outstanding support during some dark days,” Dallas’ added. “I truly believe we have the greatest medical team around and special thanks must go to Rob Price, Henry McStay and Ruben Crespo who have worked around the clock to give me the best medical attention that I have needed.

“To my team-mates over the years, nationally and domestically, there are too many to mention but you know who you are, friends for life. A special mention must go to Liam Cooper, who I’ve been with since I first walked through the doors at Thorp Arch many years ago. An incredible captain, team-mate, friend and player whose talent and contribution to the team often goes unrecognised. The man is truly a wonderful human.

“My final thanks must go to you, the Leeds United fans. Your passion and love for this team and city is what makes Leeds so special. You really are the 12th man. As the famous anthem goes, ‘We’ve been through it all together and we’ve had our ups and downs’.

Dallas has not played since suffering his right leg injury in April 2022 (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

“I’ve been lucky enough to have shared your joy within the wonderful stadium that is Elland Road. Leeds United is now well and truly in my blood, I have memories that will remain with me forever and I look forward to joining you in the stands as Daniel Farke and the team aim to take us back to the Premier League and beyond.

“As sad as it is that my career as a player is over, I can look back with so many happy memories, representing the country that I love and a team that has made such an impact on my life. Leeds is a place I will call home forever.”

Dallas played 266 times for Leeds after joining from Brentford in 2015. He was a key figure at the club in the Marcelo Bielsa era, playing 45 of 46 Championship matches during the 2019-20 season as they won promotion to the Premier League and then appearing in all 38 league games the following year.

Dallas began his career with Coagh United in Northern Ireland in 2007 before transferring to NIFL Premiership club Crusaders three years later. He spent two years there, moving to then-League One side Brentford in the summer of 2012.

He earned 62 senior caps for Northern Ireland, scoring three goals and featuring for his nation at the 2016 European Championship, their first appearance at a major tournament in 30 years.

(Top photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

2024-04-10 12:05:08
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