Gethyn Hill announces emotional retirement from competitive football
He tore one of the ligaments in his knee for the third time in his career over the weekend
Last updated 25th Jun 2024
Former Taunton Town forward and previous Wales under-19s international Gethyn Hill says he can't quite believe he's saying it - but he's retiring from competitive football.
It's after he tore one of the ligaments in his knee on Saturday for the third time in his career, so is calling it a day on this chapter of his life.
The 29-year-old, who only committed the next season to Merthyr Town FC back in May. says he's doing it because the reward of playing no longer outweighs the risk to his long term health.
Sharing a post on social media yesterday, he wrote: "I can't quite believe I'm writing this, but today I've made the difficult decision to retire from competitive football. On Saturday I tore my ACL for the 3rd time in my career and it feels like the right time to close this chapter of my life and move onto something new.
"At 29 years old some people might think I'm crazy. But as any footballer knows, playing at this level requires an incredible amount of commitment and sacrifice. Commitment and sacrifice that impacts upon my business, my wife, my children, those around me and most importantly my long term health.
"When making any decision I always weigh up the risk vs the reward. And at this point in my life, heading into my 7th knee operations in 10 years, I feel the rewards of continuing to play, no longer outweighs the risk to my long term health.
"When my Dad asked me at the age of 6 if I wanted to play football, that little boy from Pontypool never imagined that he'd go on to sign a professional contract, earn 17 caps for Wales or have a career playing in some of the toughest leagues in the UK.
"But football was more than a sport for me. For those of you who know me, football was a lifeline. A path to a different life.
"There's a long list of friends, family, team mates, fans, managers, coaches and clubs that have played a huge part in my life and career - too many to name individually! But I'd like to thank all of you who have been a part of this journey. Thanks to you I've been able to experience a life that most little boys dream of.
"It's impossible to put into words how much I've loved playing football. And closing the chapter on this part of my life is extremely difficult.
"However I'm excited for the next chapter. To focus more on my family, my business ventures and probably throw a few extra rounds of golf in there too!
"Life is full of beautiful things. Football is only one of them."