David Meyler has confirmed he will no longer be a professional footballer after announcing his retirement from the game on social media today.
The Republic of Ireland international has suffered with knee injuries during his career, and the problem has become too severe to continue playing.
The Reading midfielder, who only turned 30 years of age last May, made his announcement on Instagram and Twitter, where he released a statement saying:
“After a few hard days of thinking I have decided to retire from playing professional football.
“The injuries I sustained to my right knee have eventually caught up with me and I am left with no other option.
“It’s tough to take but I know deep down it’s the correct decision. I always knew this day would come but I never expected it to be so soon.”
Meyler also thanked his close family, adding: “You’ve helped a young boy live out his dreams.”
Fellow professionals and former teammates paid tribute to the Corkman online, with Robbie Keane leading the way. “Congrats on a great career I wish you all the best in the future pal,” the ex-Spurs striker said.
Compatriots such as Wes Hoolahan, Darren Randolph and former Manchester United defender John O’Shea all wished him the best for the future, while reigning champion of The Open and Offaly man Shane Lowry said “Congrats on a great career.”
There were also tributes on Twitter from fans and peers alike following Meyler’s decision to leave the sport.
Congratulations to @DavidMeyler on your career and thank you for your service with Ireland ????????
A great professional on & off the pitch ???? pic.twitter.com/PGcFUSHVwt
— Ireland Football ⚽️???????? (@IrelandFootball) August 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/Pjohnnners/status/1167404095017238528?s=20
Happy retirement to a man that both of us have been fans of over the years, David Meyler. Great pro fro both Sunderland and Hull. All the best for the future! @DavidMeyler pic.twitter.com/aPS08IYue0
— All To Play For (@AllToPlayForPOD) August 30, 2019
Best of Luck to @DavidMeyler after announcing his retirement from football due to injury. pic.twitter.com/oy4Th4dNZy
— Ashley Cahill (@cahill_ashley) August 30, 2019
???? All the best to @DavidMeyler, who has today announced his retirement from professional football.
Thanks for the memories, David! ????
From everyone at the club, we wish you a happy retirement! ????#hcafc | #theTigers pic.twitter.com/xaOWfxUebw
— Hull City (@HullCity) August 30, 2019
Best wishes to our former player @DavidMeyler on your retirement. Congratulations on a great career and best wishes for the future #CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/kGl9IbBJUh
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) August 30, 2019
Congratulations on your career @DavidMeyler ! Had the pleasure of playing against & with you! Good luck in retirement ! pic.twitter.com/AHCX3Tuory
— Ryan Mason (@RyanMason) August 30, 2019
More time to play Football Manager… ? Congratulations on a fantastic career ?
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) August 30, 2019
Meyler started out his career with Cork City in the League of Ireland, before joining Sunderland as a 19-year-old, but the best phase of his career was undoubtedly spent at Hull City. With the Tigers for six years, he won the Championship playoffs, reached an FA Cup final and played in the Europa League.
While his playing days might be over, Meyler has carved something of a side gig as a serious FIFA player, so maybe his future lies in professional video gaming.
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