Reading defender Chris Armstrong has retired from football with immediate effect at the age of 28.
Royals defender was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Dec 2009
Reading defender Chris Armstrong has retired from football with immediate effect at the age of 28.
Armstrong was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in December 2009, but had managed to make seven first-team appearances for Reading this season.
However, the full-back has now decided that he is no longer in a position to play at a high level and has called time on his career.
"Obviously this has been a very difficult decision, I absolutely love football but this is the right thing for me to do now," Armstrong told the club's
official website. "It's right for me professionally, medically and also personally.
Fortunate
"With the illness, both the medical team and I didn't feel I could regularly perform to the level you have to in the professional game.
"There are so many games, every single one is played at a high tempo, it's very hard to perform week in and week out. I know I gave it my best shot but ultimately I was not physically able to do it.
"I've been very fortunate to play for Reading and all my other clubs, I've been lucky to have a career that I know many people would be delighted to experience. I'll miss being a part of the game on a daily basis."
Reading boss Brian McDermott added: "Chris has been an inspiration to me.
"Over a long period I've had many conversations with him, he's a quiet, unassuming man who absolutely sums up everything that is good about human beings. Nobody could have tried harder and given more than he has given.
"It is important that Chris knows that I personally, and I am sure I can speak for all the staff and players, will always be there for him any time he needs us."
Armstrong made 48 appearances for Reading after joining from Sheffield United in 2008 and also played for Bury and Oldham Athletic earlier in his career.
