[Nicky91]

Stephen Darby, 29, began his career at Liverpool before joining Bradford
Earlier this year Darby married England women's captain Steph Houghton
Darby said it was 'with great sadness' that he was hanging up his boots
Former club Liverpool said: 'The thoughts of everyone are with Stephen'
Manchester City said: 'Everyone is behind Steph and Stephen at this time'

A 29-year-old former footballer who played in the Premier League and Champions League has retired after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Stephen Darby, a right-back who married England women's captain Steph Houghton in June, said it was 'with great sadness' that he was hanging up his boots.

Darby, who began his career at his hometown club Liverpool and later made more than 200 appearances for Bradford City, received the diagnosis from a specialist.

The player, who made one Premier League appearance and three in the Champions League, joined Bolton in summer 2017 but has not played since December.

He said in a statement: 'I would like to take the opportunity to thank my teammates, Phil Parkinson and all the staff at Bolton Wanderers Football Club for their amazing support at what has been an extremely difficult period for myself and my family.

'I would like to ask for privacy at this time so I can adjust to the battle I have ahead and so that I can spend time with those closest to me.'
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing weakness that gets worse over time.

It is fatal and can significantly lower life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. There is no cure, but treatments can help reduce its impact on daily life.

Darby's former team Liverpool were among many teams, players and fans to send their best wishes to him.

Liverpool said via Twitter: 'Liverpool Football Club are saddened by the news of Stephen Darby's retirement after he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

'The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Stephen and his family at this time.'

Darby's former Liverpool teammate Daniel Pacheco, who now plays for Malaga, tweeted: 'Just heard the news about Stephen Darby. What a top lad during my time in Liverpool. Wish you all the best mate in this battle and we are all with you.'

Aaron Mclean added: 'Sad news that my ex-teammate Stephen Darby has had to retire due to being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

‘I wish you and your family the very best in such a tough time. My heart goes out to you. One of the nicest guys you could hope to meet.’

And Stephen Warnock posted on Instagram: 'Heartbreaking news about my former teammate Stephen Darby who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

'Life is so cruel, genuinely one of the nicest lads you could ever meet. We are all behind you in your battle.'

Houghton, who captained Manchester City to victory over Bristol City on Sunday, has yet to make a public statement but her club led the tributes to the defender.

what is MND

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time.
It's always fatal and can significantly shorten life expectancy, but some people live with it for many years. There's no cure, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on your daily life.

'We will be offering full support to former Bradford City star Stephen Darby, who today announced his retirement from professional football after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease,' the Yorkshire club wrote on Twitter.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...e-disease.html

[James]

Reading this made me think also of Fernando Ricksen, the former Dutch international and Rangers player, who also has Motor Neurone Disease.

[LeatherTrumpet]

Yep Ricksen

very sad

he came back to Ibrox recently