Posted by Bolton Wanderers defender Stephen Darby has sadly been forced to retire from football at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The full back, who has been at the Championship club since the summer of 2017, received the diagnosis from a specialist recently.
Coming through the youth ranks of his hometown club Liverpool, the right-back made his first competitive appearance for the Reds as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League fixture against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.
The following year he made his first competitive start, again in the Champions League, against Fiorentina. Following loan spells with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale, Darby made the move to Valley Parade where he spent two seasons as club captain.
Darby, who married Manchester City and England defender Steph Houghton in June, said in a statement:
It is fatal and can significantly lower life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. There is no cure, but treatments can help reduce its impact on daily life.
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Post Summary
The full back, who has been at the Championship club since the summer of 2017, received the diagnosis from a specialist recently.
Darby joined Bolton in 2017 after leaving Bradford, where he made 236 appearances and was part of the team that reached the 2013 League Cup final.
Coming through the youth ranks of his hometown club Liverpool, the right-back made his first competitive appearance for the Reds as a substitute in a UEFA Champions League fixture against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.
The following year he made his first competitive start, again in the Champions League, against Fiorentina. Following loan spells with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale, Darby made the move to Valley Parade where he spent two seasons as club captain.
Darby, who married Manchester City and England defender Steph Houghton in June, said in a statement:
“It is with great sadness that I announce my immediate retirement from professional football due to a recent diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, 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.”
Phil Parkinson added: “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. 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 teammates 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.”
Bolton Wanderers chairman Ken Anderson said: “We were all saddened when we found out that Stephen has to retire from the profession he loves.Darby's former team Liverpool were among many teams, players and fans to send their best wishes to him.
“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.”
Liverpool said via Twitter: "Liverpool Football Club are saddened by the news of Stephen Darby's retirement after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stephen and his family at this time."
Liverpool Football Club are saddened by the news of Stephen Darby’s retirement after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 18, 2018
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stephen and his family at this time. pic.twitter.com/yYVTrXZMcB
Everyone at Manchester City is behind Steph and Stephen at this time 💙 https://t.co/sFStDTViUZ— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2018
Darby's former Liverpool teammate Daniel Pacheco, who now plays for Malaga, tweeted: "Just heard the news about Stephen Darby. What a top lad during my time in Liverpool. Wish you all the best mate in this battle and we are all with you."Aaron Mclean added: "Sad news that my ex-teammate Stephen Darby has had to retire due to being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. I wish you and your family the very best in such a tough time. My heart goes out to you. One of the nicest guys you could hope to meet."
And Stephen Warnock posted on Instagram: "Heartbreaking news about my former teammate Stephen Darby who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Life is so cruel, genuinely one of the nicest lads you could ever meet. We are all behind you in your battle."
Heartbreaking news about my former team mate Stephen Darby who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Life is so cruel, genuinely one of the nicest lads you could ever meet. We… https://t.co/nlivMxElHK— Stephen Warnock (@StephenWarnock3) September 18, 2018
Houghton, who captained Manchester City to victory over Bristol City on Sunday, has yet to make a public statement but her club led the tributes to the defender.
"Everyone at Manchester City is behind Steph and Stephen at this time" they wrote on Twitter followed by a sky-blue love heart.
"We will be offering full support to former Bradford City star Stephen Darby, who today announced his retirement from professional football after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease," Bradford wrote on Twitter today.
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Our thoughts are with Stephen Darby who has announced his retirement from football after recently being diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease.— PFA (@PFA) September 18, 2018
We are here to offer our full support and guidance to Stephen and his family.
More info: https://t.co/A2srRUrsiP pic.twitter.com/cgW2jZoURI
🔵 Everyone at Rochdale Football Club is saddened to hear that former Dale loanee Stephen Darby has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. We would like to send our best wishes to Stephen and his family 💙 #RAFC https://t.co/LXyei0zjGl— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) September 18, 2018
Everyone at the #EFL sends their best wishes to Stephen Darby and his family at this difficult time.— EFL (@EFL) September 18, 2018
The entire footballing community is behind you, Stephen. ❤️ https://t.co/GxT1BudrkN
Our thoughts are with Stephen Darby, who has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) September 18, 2018
Stephen made 24 appearances for us while on loan from Liverpool in 2010-11, featuring in our memorable @EmiratesFACup clash with @ManCity. pic.twitter.com/gq6FMJGyKp
Former Liverpool & Bradford City full-back Stephen Darby has been forced to retire from football aged 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.— TeamFA (@TeamFA) September 18, 2018
Terrible news. Thoughts are with him and his family. pic.twitter.com/Q6yWAk5uPu
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time.We would like to send our very best wishes to Stephen Darby and his family at this difficult time.— Northampton Town (@ntfc) September 18, 2018
It is fatal and can significantly lower life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. There is no cure, but treatments can help reduce its impact on daily life.
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| Article Name | Stephen Darby Retires From Football Aged 29 After Being Diagnosed With Motor Neurone Disease |
| Description |
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| Author Name | Head Admin |
| Published On | 9/18/2018 |
| Post Category |
English Premier League
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