Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney has been forced to retire after failing to recover from injury.
Villa ace calls it quits
Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney has been forced to retire after a long-running battle with injury.
Delaney has been struggling to recover from a knee injury and he has now been forced to call it quits.
The 31-year-old visited renowned US surgeon Dr Richard Steadman about his knee, but he has been advised to hang up his boots.
Decision
Delaney, who is considering moving into coaching, admitted it was a tough decision to quit playing.
"This is a very sad day for me and this is not a decision I have taken lightly," Delaney told the club's official website.
"But, having taken everything into consideration, I feel this is the right decision for myself and my family.
Tribute
Villa boss Martin O'Neill paid tribute to Delaney following his decision to retire.
"Mark has tried absolutely everything. He's put everything into getting back," said O'Neill.
"He's been dedicated, coming in here every single day.
"Everything he's been asked to do, he's done. He's gone to the very best people and he's tried everything.
"I'm sure he has a future in the game and I wish him all the very best in whatever he does."
