Reading Football Club can today confirm that defender Chris Armstrong has taken the decision to retire from professional football.
28-year-old Chris, our player of the season in 2008/9, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2009, and at that time he and the club decided he would try to overcome the effects in a private manner. He returned to first team football and performed exceptionally well for the Royals on a number of occasions this season given the circumstances and his illness, but he and the medical staff around him have now come to this decision in light of the continued rigours of professional sport at the elite level.
Chris said, "Obviously this has been a very difficult decision, I absolutely love football but this is the right thing for me to do now. It's right for me professionally, medically and also personally.
"With the illness, both the medical team and I didn't feel I could regularly perform to the level you have to in the professional game. There are so many games, every single one is played at a high tempo, it's very hard to perform week in and week out. I know I gave it my best shot but ultimately I was not physically able to do it.
"I've been very fortunate to play for Reading and all my other clubs, I've been lucky to have a career that I know many people would be delighted to experience. I'll miss being a part of the game on a daily basis.
"At Reading I've worked with some fantastic people, and I'd like to thank the manager and all the staff, especially the medical team for helping me so much to get back playing, at one point I didn't think that would be possible. I'd also like to thank the lads in the dressing room and of course the supporters; I'll never, ever, forget when they voted me player of the season. We've got a great squad here and I'll always be looking out for Reading's results and would have loved to have been involved in helping to push for promotion back to the Premier League."
Manager Brian McDermott said, "Chris has been an inspiration to me. Over a long period I've had many conversations with him, he's a quiet, unassuming man who absolutely sums up everything that is good about human beings. Nobody could have tried harder and given more than he has given.
"It is important that Chris knows that I personally, and I am sure I can speak for all the staff and players, will always be there for him any time he needs us."
Director of Football Nick Hammond said, "This has been an extremely difficult time for Chris and his family. The club has quite rightly worked with him in a very private way to try and help him continue with the career he loves. However, in our discussions with Chris and the medical staff, it has become clear to us all that he and the medical team believe he is unable to maintain the levels physically required to perform at the elite end of the game.
"Chris Armstrong is an outstanding human being and the club will continue to assist him in every way possible as he plans for his future."
Chairman Sir John Madejski said, "Chris has been both incredibly brave and exceptionally determined, and I'd like to put on record just how much respect myself and everyone at the club has for him.
"He deserves great credit for his endeavours, and also for working so hard in a private, professional manner. I know that everyone at the club pulled together for him during a difficult time, rightly keeping everything confidential so as to help Chris in every possible way. Great tribute must go to Chris and we wish him every success for the future, he will always be a part of our club."
*Cries*
Unlucky Chris feel so sorry for you pal