St Johnstone legend Murray Davidson emotional after retiring

35 year old says football took a physical and mental toll

Author: Dave GallowayPublished 30th May 2023

Emotions are running high for Murray Davidson after the St Johnstone legend hung up his boots.

Following 14 years with Saints, the midfielder says he had no choice but to retire as his body could no longer cope with the rigours of playing football.

"I was putting my body through a lot. The players were all saying to me I'm training well and I'd say "yeah but you can't se me, I'm struggling to walk down the stairs".

"That's just old age and putting my body on the line for years. When I'm having to take things to get through training I just decided that's enough".

“Mentally, I can’t put myself through it every day to say you have to train every day. I’m proud that I’ve had the courage to make this decision".

Davidson, who's played 415 times for the Perth team, says he made the decision to quit playing four months ago but didn't go public as he didn't want it to affect Saints' relegation battle.

The 35 year old says he's yet to decide whether to continue his involvement in the game.

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